Reader Reviews
Brilliant Adventures (Royal Exchange, Manchester)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Elements of McDowall's play are great: some cracking dialogue, a strong recreation of the relationship between brothers and friends and the opening monologue for Act 2. But it also includes some very well worn elements: a mysterious drug dealer, an import from 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' and a father distanced from his children by the haze of drug addiction. Though he marries these elements together in surprising and complex ways, the graphic stage violence, especially in a studio production is unconvincing and unnecessary. The cast are competent and energetic throughout, though the lack of simliarity between Luke 1 and 2 is distracting and the actors aren't connected enough to get us to suspend our disbelief. Michael Hogson is outstanding, mesmerising the audience as he reveals a character hidden for most of the play. - Stephen M Hornby | 21 May 13 |
