Boss New Plays – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool

How well will a playwright’s words, ideas, and concepts land as they’re writing is brought to its feet. Boss New Plays finds out, by bringing to life the work of four of Liverpool’s local playwriting talents, as the Lantern Writers present the final part of their 2-night showcase.

Eat, Sleep, Repeat written by Brian Mutton introduces us to retired married couple Ted (Derek Cross) and his wife Jessy (Linzy Boden), reminiscing on times gone by and the loss of familiarity as they watch on as another new neighbour moves in.  Ted’s sudden waves of emotion signal something isn’t right, which becomes clear upon a visit from their new giggly neighbour, the widower Grace (Emma Hind). Directed by John Michael Rooke, the play deals with the process of grief, love, and the struggle to move on, with moments of tenderness and humour, beautifully portrayed by the strong layered performances, and chemistry between the actors.

A lovely piece with perfect pacing and confident pauses. However, Ted’s strong sense of his wife’s presence witnessed at the start, was suddenly lost upon the arrival of Grace. Jessy moving around in these scenes as an alternative to being seated, would have reinforced Ted’s perception of Jessy’s presence throughout the home, contributing to his internal struggle of feeling ready to move on. This final part of the grieving process is eventually achieved, signalled by the lovely moment of Jessy removing her coat from the stand and symbolically putting it on, signalling that her duty here is done. Taking rest, knowing that her ‘Teddy Bear’ has finally moved on.

Dystopian drama War Games written and directed by Stella Young, tells the plight of heavily pregnant Mother (Jessica Brigstock), and her young Daughter (Shannon Griffiths) as they attempt to flee civil war in the UK caused by the militant ERRA, known as the European Radical Rights Alliance. Taking advantage is the boat traffickers (Alan McDonald/Sam Jones-Arthur), Men trying to benefit by making money from the desperation of people caught up in conflict.

This piece deals with the familiar accounts of people who flee war and persecution to seek asylum. The desperation and dilemma faced by parents, when their only option is to put their small children in dangerously overfilled boats is a very real concept, the emotional turmoil of which unfortunately, is missing here. War Games provides a comprehensive account of this kind of journey but focuses on the exposition as opposed to the characterisation. This doesn’t enable the high – stakes at play faced by the mother, which could have been amplified with better use of atmospheric soundscapes and lighting, which would create a greater sense of urgency. This would help to heighten the fear and impending danger felt by the mother, whilst also dealing with the recent death of her husband and youngest child. Nonetheless, this is an important, and very relevant telling of the real-life experiences faced by many people today.   

True crime drama Bobby Franks, written by Paula Frew, is based on the brutal real-life murder of 14-year-old Franks by the affluent Chicago teenagers Nathan Leopold (Jacob Thomas) and Richard Loeb (Greg O’Flynn) who had set out to commit the ‘perfect crime’. The play stays true to the factual details of the circumstances and details of the 1920’s crime which at the time, shocked America. 

Frew’s piece shows the relationship between Leopold and Loeb who revel in one another’s twisted fantasises and sense of untouchable grandiose, as we witness their gleeful planning, the aftermath of the murder followed by their subsequent trial and sentencing. With Thomas and O’Flynn nicely portraying the subtle sexual undertones and attraction between the two, it questioned the necessity of the physical sex scene, which although directed well by John MC, was potentially included purely for shock value. There was also a missed opportunity here to take advantage of the recent popularity of real crime drama by using audio visuals taken from the real case, including the infamous ransom note.    

The attention to detail with the set pieces was commendable, including the beautiful 1920’s gramophone, and typewriter, which was slightly hindered by the fronton positioning of the desk, which if repositioned, would have showcased the typewriter, and provided a more open view of Thomas, who’s simple yet stylised costume, was actually visually striking. The practical oversight of not fixing the large rug to the stage, was a hazard for the actors, this potential danger unfortunately distracted from the action.   Despite some questionable directional choices and staging which slightly affected the pace and flow, it was highly entertaining. However, more trust in the audience’s imagination would increase the impact of this piece.  

The final performance takes on board the idea that less is more, with a simple, yet amusing concept called The Iron Men, written by Joe Lewis. We’re transported to the art installation, ‘Another Place’ based on Crosby beach where we meet newbie Mick (PJ Murray) on his first day on the job as one of Sir Antony Gormley’s cast iron men, where he meets seasoned statues Frank (Mike Sanders) and Ray (John Purcell) who give the low down on how to survive the long days of gazing towards Birkenhead. 

Modelled on the naked body of Gormley, the costumes for this piece are brilliant, the added football shirt to one of the statues is authentic and a nice touch. Director Simon James sets the scene with an image of Crosby beach behind the three actors who are firmly planted on stage. Some slight readjustment is needed by making the actors more staggered which would avoid any blocking for audience members sat towards the sides of the stage. This funny concept has more room for play, perhaps the statues reacting to the regular annoyance of tourists and their selfie sticks. An enjoyable piece of comedy, and a solid performance.

Overall, an entertaining evening of local writing and theatre. It would serve Lantern Writers and any other local showcases, to encourage any well-wishers to remain seated until after each performance, to show support to all local creatives.   

Reviewer: Gill Lewis

Reviewed: 20th April 2024