A Clockwork Orange
A Clockwork Orange is a notoriously difficult play to get right with its bizarre style, complicated vernacular and a plot that twists and turns like no other. It’s fast, physical and at times terrifying. It’s full of violence, sexual desire and tension as Alex and his Droogs battle against the system and against their very existence.
Action to the Word have taken a play that I’ve never found easy to like, and turned it into something very special indeed. Martin McCreadie, who plays Alex, puts in an especially memorable performance; indeed the show almost deserves five stars for his work alone. Supporting him is an outstanding all-male ensemble who never seem to stop moving thanks to fluid choreography and slickly delivered dialogue. They throw every fibre of themselves into the ever-changing collection of characters.
The pure physicality and energy of the show is astonishing. Sweat is literally pouring off each one of the performers as they fling themselves round the stage. As well as being technically strong, these guys are brave and fierce when tackling some of the most challenging and gruesome scenes. The cramped audience, packed into the theatre, sweat with the cast as they are dragged along with the story. This is a show that everyone should experience.
– Chris Wheeler
