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Review: Tough Time, Nice Time

May 16, 2008

Venue: Library Theatre
Date Reviewed: 16th May, 2008

star

The thought of spending 70 minutes watching a couple of German sexual adventurers chatting in a sauna in Bangkok, may seem like a hard sell or a sure thing, depending on your taste. For those expecting a flesh-fest, they will be disappointed, but everyone else will be pleasantly surprised, as Tough time, nice time is a gripping night out.

Following its premiere at the Barbican, Ridiculusmus‘ simple, yet seductive tale focuses on Martin and Stefan as they put the world to rights, tacking topics as diverse as the cult of celebrity, literature, politics, ladyboys and cinema. The darker the tone of these of these coversations, the louder you find yourself laughing.

David Woods conveys Stefan’s dry with with ease, drawing you into his tales like bees to honey. His character delivers a shocking end to each to story, leaving you reeling and open mouthed. I particularly enjoyed his take on celebs and newspaper headlines, as he talks you through the tabloid reporting of President Sharon’s illness, mistaking him for Sharon Osbourne and being disappointed when it was not Ozzie’s wife, due to our growing obsession with trivial news items.

Jon Haynes fares less well, due to Woods’ skin deep performance and his character is also less believable. He is a drug dealing lawyer and former rent boy, yet he is very prudish. But his vulnerable character does make a good foil for Stefan’s gaming ways.

Some critics have described this play as totally shocking and it is slightly thought-provoking. But more than that, it is refreshing because it does not follow the format of of many plays featuring gay characters. There are no tortured, self pitying representations on display here. These men are totally unlikeable and Woods and Haynes do not make concessions, in order to make them more appealing.

If you like laughing at slightly uncomfortable topics, providing you with a talking point afterwards, Tough time is the ideal play for you.

I loved it!

-Glenn Meads

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