Doors Opening – Greenside @ Nicholson Square

Six people get into a lift and get stuck. A vicar, a business man, a wife and an actress – this production builds a great show from this simple set-up. The director has shown a light touch in making full use of the space and actors. There is simple yet effective choreography which defines the situation, gives a setting outside the metal box and elevates (sorry!) the visuals. Each of the actors efficiently defines his/her character and maintains it throughout the various scenes. Some are a little over-enthusiastic with gesture and mime trying to visualise almost every word, but this can be attributed to their excitable characters.

The stories are well fleshed out, though not particularly novel or shocking but the use of the four outside characters gives them depth. The use of straight masks emphasises the anonymity we can all feel in crowds or in society and serves the final exposition well. Simple sound with clear, confident, engaging acting meant that when it finished earlier than billed, I was disappointed. Perfectly formed and pleasingly excuted.

Derek Benfield