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A little less conversation: After Sex @Arcolatheatre

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According to research, millennials in rich countries are having sex less these days. But they were prepared to talk more about it. So, it is no surprise to see a story about what happens when a series of no-strings-attached encounters start to become attachments. And the conversations arising from it. Such is the premise of After Sex, Siofra Dromgoole’s two-hander of the conversations afterwards. It’s not particularly sexy or erotic, and the snappy pacing and short scenes sometimes make you wish they stayed longer to finish the conversation. Nevertheless, it is still a funny and, at times, bittersweet picture of single lives in the big city. It’s currently playing at the Arcola Theatre .  He is bi and works for her in an office job. She is neither ready for a commitment nor to let the office know what’s happening. He isn’t prepared to tell his mum there’s someone special in his life. He doesn’t speak to his dad, so his mum is his world. It’s a perfect relationship/arrangement. Or so it

Hopes for 2017: The Doppel Gang @tristanbatestheatre



Things I am hopeful about for theatre this year after catching The Doppel Gang at the Tristan Bates Theatre:

More shows featuring the music, drama and comedy of music hall. 

The Mother Goose panto at Wilton's last year gave a few quick flashes of music hall style with a few numbers. Here this show is set in the pre-television era where an evening's entertainment is a night out at the theatre. It's a lost art that could do with being resurrected.

More borrowing of classic comedy sketches that don't involve Monty Python. 

There is a Faulty Towers Live show that is winding its way around Australia as part of John Cleese's pension plan. But there are is plenty of other comedy that could be recreated, borrowed, or repurposed. The Marx Brothers are a case in point.

Unfortunately while the Doppel Gang includes these two elements, there is an awful lot of moody drama between jokes. There is also the tired premise of a struggling (this time it's a theatre troupe) during the blitz. Perhaps it is time the war is left to Remembrance Day as we are not doing it any favours evoking it in the the theatre.

The moody drama and occasional loud explosions make the piece too confusing to follow. It also dilutes the comic potential (and any originality) of the material.

With it's elbaroate set it is a slick looking production from the Just Some Theatre Company. The company was founded by Jake Urry and Peter Stone who feature in the piece. But mis-timed performances and a muddled plot make for a bewildering night at the theatre.

Directed by Terence Man, The Doppel Gang runs at the Tristan Bates Theatre until 11 February.



In the meantime you can always see the real Marx Brothers online...

⭐︎⭐︎

Photo credit: Mitchell Reeve

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