BP News

“WEST" by Steven Berkoff

I never intended to set myself up as a critic but yet again I find I have to put type to screen to sing the praises of the latest Fringe production.

I try to support all BP and QMT productions (Rory please note) and consequently, get to see plays that I would not normally be interested in. Yes, I know - totally my loss. So I guess I turned up at "West" out of a sense of duty. Boy, am I glad I went! It was a powerful and fascinating play, particularly when one got one's mind around the style in which it was written. This added to the way in which you were drawn into the text and plot.

I confess I missed all the obvious Shakespearean references - ignorant old me - but that did not detract from my feelings about the play or its players. Congratulations to all concerned, and I must show some bias and single out Dan Tiplady and James Wallis - were these two tough guys really the two likeable wee lads that I used to help at the Juniors? My, how they have grown up!

But if I am singling out the Juniors, I must also mention two other actors: Charlie Woodcock for his powerful presence and Chris Hamil for so successfully covering his broad Scottish accent with a very authentic Cockney. I was unaware of his background until Dan Writer mentioned it in the interval and I then made sure I spoke to Chris at the end of the play, to confirm what Dan had said, as I couldn't really believe my ears. However there is another reason for singling out these two. They staged what can only be called one of the most amazing fights I have and will ever see in a theatre. Absolutely brilliant and the timing was perfect. I am told they set it in just an hour. For those who didn't make it to the Studio, then you missed a treat.

Well done to all of you, including those I have not mentioned - Sue Mason, Vince Hobday (returning to the stage after 25 years!), James Kirwan, Amy Bellwood and Katie Rallison, who made a very attractive (and convincing) male thug!. Also to Rory (the director), Dan, plus Keith Crook and Will Bianchi for the very atmospheric set.