Two by Jim Cartwright at Shakespeare North Playhouse Review

Reviews

11 Mar

Written by Roby for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

‘Two’ is set in a working class pub and follows the course of one night within it. As a lost boy turns up on their doorstep looking for his Dad, the Landlord and Landlady must confront their own demons and, for the first time in years, actually talk to each other…

Throughout the show, there are fourteen different characters played by just two actors (Michael Starke and Sarah White). All of the characters are extremely diverse and therefore require full-out performances with high physicality. Starke and White deliver 110% throughout the show; their physicality and characterisation is truly brilliant and will have you both laughing and crying. The intimate nature of the Shakespeare North Playhouse really lends itself to the play well and allows both actors to interact with audience members.

Jim Cartwright’s script is strong, and is generally well paced. There are some great emotional contrasts and some strong humour, which is up-levelled by Starke’s natural charm and stage presence. I overheard many people in the interval, a few of whom had worked as bartenders, discussing how recognisable the characters were.

Lisa Allen’s direction complements the production well. The scene at the start of Act 2 portraying an abusive relationship is a true standout of the entire show, and is a genuinely uncomfortably tense watch (shoutout to Fight Director Kaitlin Howard, also). At times, I found Allen’s direction was a little inconsistent; characters were having conversations from opposite sides of the bar, yet the sound design implied a busy pub and other scenes implied bartenders were frantically and constantly serving people. If this were the case, then it made no sense for these characters to not be stood next to each other as otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to have a conversation. Nevertheless, Allen’s direction is strong and is enhanced by the hard work of Starke and White.

The lighting design (Kieran Sing), sound design (Adam Harper), and costume and set design (Kay Buckley) all work well together and enhance the intimate pub nature. I also loved the pre-show playlist, and the QR code in the programme which allowed you to listen to it at home!

Overall, ‘Two’ is a raw, relatable, and engaging watch that is rooted in the talent and hard work of its leads. What starts as something light-hearted becomes a powerful piece of theatre. It’s definitely worth a watch - there’s something for everyone.