Review: The Bench
August 23, 2008
Venue: The Lowry
Date reviewed: 23rd August, 2008
The Bench, written and directed by Joe O’Byrne, is an excellent presentation of a simple but highly effective concept. A bench in a run-down municipal park provides a focal point for the fictional community of Paradise Heights.
A variety of characters meet at the bench and consider taking a range of actions and the play traces the consequences of these actions for the characters and the community.
Ian Curley’s stark set, a vandalised war memorial, well–worn bench and a litter bin, creates a sombre mood and also, via a strategically-placed notice, lets us know where the play is taking place.
O’Byrne creates a strong sense of community and a belief that actions have consequences that must be faced. Although the play comprises a series of short scenes it is constructed so that these relate to each other and so shows the impact of decisions made by individuals upon the wider community. The technique is also dramatically satisfying as it fulfils the epic ambitions of the play, giving off the feel of a novel, as opposed to a collection of short stories.
As a director, however, O’Byrne allows the pace of the play to slacken slightly at times and the tension to ease. The decision to allow full, rather than representational costumes necessitates delays between scenes which distract the audience.
Between them the six members of the cast portray 18 characters and are excellent. Although Ian Curley and Ste Myott may not be entirely convincing in portraying the aches and pains of old age, they are terrifyingly good in their interpretations of a loan shark and a psychotic house-breaker.
Curley, along with Stella Grundy, gets to present the surprisingly sweet romantic scenes. Phoebe Marie Jones, as a physically scarred kleptomaniac struggling to express herself through her art, and Ben Hood, an enigmatic ghost, provide the catalyst which moves the play to its satisfying conclusion.
Even in such a strong cast, Clyve Bonelle stands out with his sympathetic interpretation of a man on the edge, redeeming himself through love.
The Bench is yet another excellent example of high quality fringe theatre which Manchester is currently enjoying and it thoroughly deserves its excellent reputation.
-Dave Cunningham
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not seen it but it will be top
I went to see the Bench on 23rd August at the Lowry. I have had the pleasure of seeing this before both at Studio Salford and Didsbury.
Joe O’Byrne has truely excelled himself with this production. Each performance improved on the last. Joe made several changes to each character for the Lowry and this has given the audience more guidance to where the links are. Ian Curley’s portrayal of Frank Morgan and Ste Myott’s Ken was incredible. the audience were captivated as the two played this scene to its frightening conclusion. It was both believeable, disturbing and upsetting. The depth that both Ian and Ste had to travel with the charactors are both a credit to the director, Joe O’Byrne and inspiring to the industry. O’Byrne has grown during this run of the Bench and is now a director and writer to watch out for in the future.
Stella Grundy- what brilliant and funny showcasing her talent as an actress. She owns the stage showing such a range of emotions. Clyve Bonnelle’s portrayal of a homeless man was outstanding. He had the audience in his hand when talking to God.
Phoebe Jones is both beautiful and talented. She added the glamour and the dark side to the performance. Playing both an angel and scally she was briliant. Her scenes with Bonnelle were very touching.
Ben Hood joined the cast this time as Corney and added a different diamention to the role.
I agree with Dave Cunningham about the costume changes, this did take longer than before. This needs to be taken into account for the future.
However, this did not detract from the overall performance. Each of these actors deserve a break. The talent is outstanding, the range or characterisation each portrayed can only be applauded, and the direction given by Joe O’Byrne was incredible.
Manchester is seeing some incredible fringe theatre, and there is more planned. I just hope for the sake of the actors involved in these performances that this talent is recognised by a wider audience and given the rewards it deserves.