Autobahn

Walking into the auditorium of the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, you cannot be altogether certain of the night ahead of you. Immediate reflexes drive you to look all around and inhale the simple, charming set consisting of tea lights, chairs and plastic toy cars. From the moment that the lights dim and six figures dressed in black appear on the stage, the audience sit silently intrigued. Initially wondering whether this performance is going to be merely dreary and depressing, my thoughts are very much contradicted. I am in for one hell of a ride.

There is not one direct storyline – there are six, each of which interlink in the front seat of a car. This compilation of monologues and sometimes awkward conversations establish the relationships between various characters. We are drawn in by a sense of hilarity, but as the play continues we are confronted with hard hitting situations of discomfort, desperation, paranoia, vengeance and optimism. The insight into these peoples’ lives is so engaging because of the wit and magnetism of Neil LaBute’s script. These are the stories of people travelling not only on long journeys across America but on journeys through life, through good times, hard times and unforgettable times.

Sparkling performance are delivered from all the actors, however Keith Fleming, Alison Peebles and Mary Gapinsky are particularly captivating: their performances working as well independently as with their partners. However although there are times when we feel as if living these experiences at their side, at others, sections drag on unnecessarily.

Worth a look even if it is just to appreciate the simplicity of effective visual theatre.

– Emma Sibbett