Peter & Vandy
What happens when the boy who met the girl
becomes the man who loves the woman?
Literally ‘A love story in
disorder,’ Peter and Vandy jumps forward and backward in
time, through the shy beginnings to the more tumultuous middles, from young
love to old news and everything in between.
hours without an interval in the somewhat cramped Theatre503, the play does the
seemingly impossible and keeps the audience clinging onto every word with
barely one moment of restlessness. Even the scene changes, which at times take
longer than perhaps strictly necessary, are entertaining and seem to give the
impression you’re catching a glimpse of the more private moments of the
characters, thereby adding another dimension to the plot.
Kirsty Bushell and Joseph Chance have
incredible chemistry on stage; the passion, frustration and intimacy between
the pair sparkles, and they both giving stunning performances. Bushell’s
comedic timing is sheer perfection; and Chance masters Peter’s changing
emotions.
Peter and Vandy
was nominated for a US Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and it’s clear to
see why. The writing consists not only of deliciously dark comedy but contains
such poignant notes of realism that it can’t help but strike a chord with the
audience.
Tim Roseman’s direction is
impeccable and credit must be given to the lighting, sound and set design (by Richard
Howell, Fergus O’Hare and Libby Watson respectively), all of which work
perfectly in creating a simply stunning piece of theatre.
Occasionally the constant shifting
of time becomes confusing and leaves the audience wondering where each scene
takes place chronologically. Some scenes give no clear indication of where in
time they fall which in turn prevents a resolute ending.
Peter and Vandy combines
original, funny yet moving writing with two flawless performances. The
production as a whole is impeccable, recreating those memorable moments in a
relationship and providing an all too familiar picture for anyone who has ever
been in love.
– Rowena Betts
