New theatre writing is always welcome and Clare Prenton’s Men Don’t Talk, produced by Genesis Theatre Productions, tackles an interesting and topical subject: male suicide statistics and how men cope with life when it gets tricky: where are their support systems? How do you cope without turning to pub culture and liver damage?
Men Don’t Talk is a one-act play supported by Creative Scotland Touring Funds. It blends tenderness, small talk, heartfelt revelations and huge dollops of laughter. The three actors, Billy Mack (Jimmy), Greg Powrie (Tom) and Dougal Lee (Ken) create a welcoming atmosphere as they interact with the audience, extending to sharing a cuppa as they “chat”.
A scattering of sawdust to sop up spilled milk and the set would be perfect. It was perfectly apt that the set (designed by Frances Collier) was crafted by Peebles & District Men Shedders: the very men whom Prenton interviewed and translated onto the stage.
Who do I like best out of the three characters? It has to be Jimmy for his truthful portrayal and upbeat one liners and puns. Tom’s eternal tinkering and fidgeting with his creation needs more options for stage business: something bigger with more impact, where a few more parts come to life throughout the duration of the play. Making and creating live, a Blue Peter Badge awarded, is a magical metaphor for the central theme of the play itself – the building and refining of personal trust and support for men by men. Perhaps more bits to screw and connect will evolve as the tour progresses and Tom’s pinny gets a little more wear and tear. Ken, the third character, is your perennial organiser and he is splendidly portrayed by Dougal Lee with his wild hair and unkempt cardigan.
Frances Collier’s costumes clearly delineate personality traits and lifestyles – these three wouldn’t naturally gravitate, but they find connections and support regardless.
Based on real conversations, the play is wholly believable and worthy. It is humorous and compassionate with a lot to offer audiences – especially an older, socially blurred age range, where sidelining becomes endemic.
Regrets, loss and finding your purpose in a new landscape are weighty subjects, yet the humour and fellowship sparkle as the cast invites the audience into the heart of the play.
Writing, directing, touting for funds, finding actors and creating magic while being a mother and holding down another demanding job takes energy and commitment. Thank goodness for theatre lovers who go the extra mile. Without new writing and someone to see the project through to completion, our inner worlds would stay there – hidden. Prenton takes the inner worlds of these men and makes it public. That deserves as many bums on seats as can be mustered. Moreover, it has highlighted the issue to the Scottish Government, (see the Scottish Parliament Holyrood performance on Tuesday, 29th October) or catch it at a venue near you as it tours nationally until 19th November.
Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield
Reviewed: 26th October 2024
North West End UK Rating: