Anorak of Fire

USER (09Sep05): Two contrasting comedies for the price of one – that’s what Wick Theatre Company has on offer for its next production. The programme kicks off with Harold Pinter’s one-act play The Dumb Waiter, a comically dark tale of two assassins awaiting their victim. Ben and Gus are holed up in a empty basement hotel room, with a dumbwaiter at the back occasionally delivering mysterious food orders. As these orders come in, the tension builds and Ben and Gus each deal with this in their own way, Ben calmly reading a newspaper, Gus nervously pacing the room, complaining constantly. What will happen when their intended victim finally arrives? Mark Best takes the part of Ben, and Ryan Lainchbury is Gus. For the second half of the evening, it’ll be a laugh a minute with the hilarious monologue Anorak of Fire - the life and times of Gus Gascoigne, trainspotter, by Stephen Dinsdale. Gus Gascoigne was born a spotter, aware of trains even in his pram. He’s perpetually cheerful and completely bemused by anything that isn’t involved with his sole interest – train spotting. He takes us on a journey from kindergarten days to spotting adventures in later years. This brilliantly written piece, both touching and ironic, explores life at the side of the track. John Griffiths will be playing Gus, reprising his Arundel Festival success. Anorak of Fire also enjoyed a long run at London’s Arts Theatre. Pat Lyne is co-ordinating the production.