Pornography is a stark and shattering play which captures Britain as it crashes from the euphoria and promise of winning the 2012 Olympic bid into the devastation of the 7/7 bombings.
OUR VERDICT
The atmosphere and setting of the piece are captured as soon as you enter the bar. As we were ordering a glass of red, an announcement came over the tannoy that ‘The next Circle line train will depart in fifteen minutes.’ A wonderful touch which is heightened once you set foot in the theatre.
Although simplistic and minimalist, the set is possibly the most fantastic I have ever witnessed. Yellow poles are adorned from floor to ceiling to give the impression of a tube train. Tube maps are also strategically placed, along with realistic public transport type CCTV images of the action projected onto the walls of the theatre. Never before have I felt so immersed and involved in the happenings of a stage play.
The story is made up of a collection of monologues and playlets all of which focus on a different individual or individuals, revealing their lives in the run-up to the tragedy.
Every single member of the cast gave award-winning performances, ensuring they created well rounded and believable characters. Not a bad bit of acting to be seen here in Josh Clarke’s production.
Jacob Taylor as the Man with Backpack was terrifying, unhinged and humorous in equal measure. Tracy Frankson as Working Mum gave a sound performance, ensuring you loved her character and gave you a yearning to run up to her and hug her to make everything alright in her life.
Dave Shortland and Jennie Hilliard played the unconventional love story with sheer aplomb. To portray being head over heels in love without being cheesy and over the top is a hard task to achieve. But they mastered it with an ease that many seasoned actors would be jealous of.
alec murrell
Kelly-Marie Tuthill and Jim Trimmer gave credible performances as the Student and Tutor. The scene where the Tutor tries to seduce the Student is engrossing, awkward and convincing. This is thanks to Tuthill and Trimmer’s performances.
It’s safe to say that Mandy Stenhouse as Widow and Benjamin Buckley as Jason steal the show. Stenhouse had me gripped from the moment she walked onto the stage. Her performance was a masterclass in comic timing and her portrayal of vulnerability just goes to show that you don’t need to rely on heavily over-the-top acting to ensure your audience empathises with your character.
Buckley’s stillness in his representation of this evil, bordering on the psychotic character was possibly one of the best pieces of acting of the night. He didn’t rely on exaggerated movements or shouting to ensure the audience gaged the extent of his character’s problems. The exchange between Stenhouse and Buckley as she knocked at his door to ask for the chicken was tense and touching.
The decision to have the actors read a description of the 52 people who were killed in the 7/7 attacks was a fitting end to the play and a decent mark of respect.
TTC’S production of Pornography is a thought-provoking, poignant and sometimes very funny play. It has it’s moments of downright controversy and can be utterly shocking but it is one not to be missed.
Venue: Hampton Hill Theatre (book here)
Dates: 17-23 November
