The Shagaround :
Reviewed by Paul Richards
THE
SHAGAROUND A play by Maggie Nevill
Nuffield Theatre Southampton.
26 April - 19 May
Directed by Patrick Sandford
Top selection
from the International Playwriting Festival 1999,
this production received it's
world premiere in Southampton on
26 April. It is soon to be seen in
Croydon and the West End.
| You might be a little surprised at the
'minimalist' set - 3 toilet cubicles, hand-wash
basins, waste bin and mop, but don't forget - the whole
story runs in the ladies loo at your local pub on New
Year's Eve. The cubicles become the centre of the action
as Matt the shagaround (a term for a man who is being
unfaithful to his girlfriend) is imprisoned in one by the
five female characters - who use their tights to fasten
the door handle to the door frame, thereby keeping it
'locked'. Beth (Toyah) offers her bicycle repair
kit screwdriver to remove another of the cubicle doors
which is then used as a roof for the victims cell. To
prevent Matt climbing out this lid is kept in place by
two of the girls, who must sit on it atop the prison cell.
Toyah's agility, along with that of the other cast
members is amazing as they repeatedly climb up to this
lofty perch and, of course, down again! So the scene is set in front of a well filled auditorium, and five girls are doing what girls do in the ladies - discussing their world and it's problems. Matt (Matthew Cullum) has two-timed ' G ' (Cathy Tyson), and also owes her £50 - the concensus is that he should be taught a lesson and the cash recovered - hence the abduction. The debt rises to £100 as G becomes more outraged, and ransom notes are sent to his 'mates' in the bar but with only £10 success. So in jail he stays for almost the whole play. Well done Matthew, having to act almost solely to cues! Around this works the body of the play, with wonderful exchanges between the six wholly believable characters. I thought this would be a battle of the sexes, bad guy, girl power, and indeed it may seem so at first, but it soon |
becomes clear that Matt is not bad, more a
rogue, and in fact the story is about relationships and
the fears and experiences which we have all had. There is a great reality to the script (the writer says the lines are taken from real life) and in this we necessarily find a good spattering of colourful language, but none of it contrived or overcooked. We watch an unfolding of G's anger, Beth's practicality and Matt's confusion. Also involved are Sal (Elizabeth Berington), Lisa (Luisa Bradshaw-White) and Dilly (Veronica Quilligan), who each provide their individual cynicism, optimism and despair. Some surprising truths about themselves are realised by the girls, making them question their opinions of men, and each other when a betrayal causes heated unrest and violence. And finally there is a dramatic and wholly unanticipated twist in the tale..................... There is poweful acting - and real tears from Cathy Tyson and Elizabeth Berrington - and although advertised as a comedy it is a serious examination of relationships and their breakdown. But one which is done sympathetically and in a thought provoking way. This said, there are many wonderfully funny moments, as we all laugh about things we recognise only too well from those moments when we chat about the oppposite sex. |
Toyah appears first as just two trainers feet
visible under the toilet cubicle door! But she is soon
bounding around the stage giving her wisdom and advice
wherever she can. Looking sprightly and youthful in red T
shirt, jeans and trainers, hair pulled back and
wearing a delightful red devil's horns party headband,
she looked quite at home and came over strongly in
arguments and debates. We were even treated to some
singing - albeit only briefly - the main rendition being
the Beatles classic 'Give piss a chance' (well it was in
the ladies after all)! In a role which seemed to alternate between jolity, wisdom, practicality and some despair, she was clearly using many of her skills, not least in the closing minutes when she bled emotion in buckets. See Toyah doing some terrific work - so real your heart is right there with her. The script is one which is said to 'come off the page' i.e. it is easy to learn because of it's natural realism. Contrast this with Toyah's skill in dealing with Shakespeare's efforts in a few months. You will realise just how professional she really is. The Shagaround - Not a
play for the kiddies, but one perhaps which many of us
would benefit from seeing. Have a good laugh, but learn
to laugh at yourselves. And learn about your emotions and
fears in love. Paul Richards |
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