Exodus

4
Seen at the Finborough.
By Derek - 6th Nov 2018

Written & directed By Rachel Boulton for Motherlode, Exodus offers us hard political questions wrapped in whimsical imaginings. The damage done to individuals and communities by war, politics and capitalism is leavened by the unlikely possibility of escape – we recognise the country is going to hell in a handcart, so come with us and fly away.

Capitalism, Brexit and ageism each get serious, comical consideration as Mary (Gwenllian Higginson) gradually realises her rapid rise in management was due to darker plans. In her monologues, she effectively presents these heavy issues with a light touch to invite plenty of laughs. Moving with her, we can all joyfully invest in Ray’s apparently ridiculous escape plan. Liam Tobin as Ray drives the story with zeal. His mental health may be in a wobble after his experience in Middle Eastern war but his delight in life remains infectious. Is Gareth (Berwyn Pearce) too dim to question the logic of his friend, or does he recognise a savant? Pearce plays Gareth with dogged enthusiasm and some meticulous timing. Then there is glorious Timmy (Karim Bedda) who is so eloquent with his playing and expressive with a deadpan face. David Grubb has composed a haunting violin score which delights without being attributable to a particular musical culture. The company leap around their simple set of boxes and succeed in drawing us into the dream. Emma Vickery should be applauded for movement on a tight stage. In such a small space it can be difficult to catch all the lines as the cast throw themselves into action but strain to catch them all, don’t miss a gem.

Boulton considers the freedom of flight and the beauty of music, using birdsong and violin to celebrate life. This is a seductive fantasy with a subtle, vicious bite of awareness. At 1 hour 20 minutes without an interval, it is a long sit, but I would have no hesitation is booking another (aisle or window?) seat for this escape from the gloom of Aberdare High Street to the brilliance of Argentina. "Here we bloody go!"

Derek Benfield


Latest News & Reviews

28th Mar 24 :: Review: The Wizard of Oz
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
27th Mar 24 :: Critics Circle Awards
The winners of this year's Critics' Circle Theatre Awards have been announced.
22nd Mar 24 :: Review: The Motive and the Cue
Live broadcast seen at the Regal Cinema, Wadebridge.
5
12th Mar 24 :: Review: Macbeth
English Touring Theatre (ETT) production seen in Worthing,
3
7th Mar 24 :: Review: The Life of Pi
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
5
6th Mar 24 :: Review: And Then There Were None
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
2
5th Mar 24 :: Review: Musclebound
Seen at The Front Room, Weston-super-Mare
3
2nd Mar 24 :: Review: Marry Me A Little
Seen at The Stage Door Theatre, Drury Lane
2
28th Feb 24 :: Review: Cable Street
Seen at the Southwark Playhouse, Borough.
3
28th Feb 24 :: Review: Carlos Acosta - On Before
Seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
4
26th Feb 24 :: Offies Winners 2024
WInners of the Offies 2024 awards have been announced.
15th Feb 24 :: Review: The Drifters Girl
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
12th Feb 24 :: Review: Whatsonstage Awards Winners
The winners of the Whatsonstage Awards announced.
0
6th Feb 24 :: Review: Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell
Selected dates until 26 February at the Coach and Horses, 29 Greek Street, London W1D 5DH
4
5th Feb 24 :: Review: Macbeth
David Tennant and Cush Jumbo at the Donmar Warehouse
4
20th Jan 24 :: Review: Disney's Aladdin
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
4
19th Jan 24 :: Review: Alegria - Cirque du Soleil
The latest production seen at the Royal Albert Hall
3
20th Dec 23 :: Review: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Pantomime seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
4
18th Dec 23 :: Review: Sleeping Beauty
Panto at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing.
4
13th Dec 23 :: Review: A Christmas Carol
Guy Masterson's one-man production seen in Boscastle
5

Most Popular Stories

Viewings over the last 10 days
 
Birmingham Royal Ballet - Black Sabbath
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 13th Oct 23 :: 141 views
And Then There Were None
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 6th Mar 24 :: 117 views
The Life of Pi
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Posted 7th Mar 24 :: 108 views
Cable Street
Seen at the Southwark Playhouse, Borough.
Posted 28th Feb 24 :: 101 views
The Motive and the Cue
Live broadcast seen at the Regal Cinema, Wadebridge.
Posted 22nd Mar 24 :: 101 views
Musclebound
Seen at The Front Room, Weston-super-Mare
Posted 5th Mar 24 :: 95 views
The Drifters Girl
Touring production seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Posted 15th Feb 24 :: 92 views
Macbeth
English Touring Theatre (ETT) production seen in Worthing,
Posted 12th Mar 24 :: 87 views
Carlos Acosta - On Before
Seen at the Theatre Royal Plymouth
Posted 28th Feb 24 :: 72 views
Marry Me A Little
Seen at The Stage Door Theatre, Drury Lane
Posted 2nd Mar 24 :: 64 views


Listings powered by Dynamic Listing Ltd
Mastodon X - Twitter Multidomain certificate installed
© Dynamic Listing Ltd, UK. 1995-2024