Party

5
Above the Stag, now extended to end October.
By Derek - 11th Sep 2016

Paty above the StagWhat a party! A gentle start with mind games over cushions between Kevin and Ray sets the laughter rolling and the show develops into an engrossing revelation of the relationships old and new.

Re-locating the play in London works splendidly. I was worried it might seem dated, but instead it seems timeless. David Dillon says he wanted to show that gay friends can be funny and fabulous and after the gloom of the 80s that it is possible to be gay and be happy. His play achieves this with honesty, naughtiness and bravado. Nudity sells, but we don’t get a half second flash before going to black. The cast are so relaxed being naked that the titillation fades as we continue to discover more about their relationships and enjoy each character as an individual.

Ben Kavanagh as Ray delivers perfect timing to extract every delicious, vicious laugh available. As the repository of Musical Theatre icons, he relishes his responsibility to educate the young Andy and we love every minute. And then there is his final entrance!

Sam Goodchild makes James reassuringly bolshy and brooding, always ready to fence with Ray, but never letting it get nasty. And his penis is first to appear.

As Brian, Jamie Firth revels in being the shameless slut. He moves beautifully and manages a delicate balance between outrageous and sincere.

Lucas Livesy as Philip presents a lively foil for the others and plays a naughty part in the game.

Stefan Gough as Peter, offers insecurity as he reveals hidden desires which may be reciprocated. His shyness offers a welcome balance to the blatant openness of his friends.

As Kevin, Nic Kyle quietly controls his house party and seems to know more about the others than most. He persuades us that the quiet ones are often the most exciting.

Andy (Tom Leach), the innocent, lights up the stage with his first beaming smile. He succeeds in convincing us that someone could be that naïve as he notes everything down for future reference before throwing himself into the swing of things. He really heats up the event.

Director Gene David Kirk has guided the cast into presenting believable guys in a fluid, hilarious, recognisable, outrageous situation. They move around the set showing the realistic ebb and flow of an evening, using the space to offer variety and rhythms that keep our interest.

These friends show us everything they have: the love, the bitchiness, the camaraderie, but most of all the fun. They make us believe they will stick together – will we get an update? How have they survived over the years? The show made me care, and I’d love to know more.

Fact or Fantasy. How many of us will be playing this dangerous game in the future?

My fantasy? You’ll have to play it with me to find out. My place or yours?

Derek Benfield


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