Maths - how difficult can it be? Very - given the distractions students have to face: adolescence, love affairs, peers hell bent on disruption and teachers struggling to cope. Never mind instant messaging, firing cannons, make-up and flogging. Two 15 year olds - both struggling with an exam they have to pass. One, a girl at a failing school who wants to learn but can't - learning seems to be the last thing the school is set up to do. The other, a midshipman in Nelson's navy 200 years ealier. On board his warship he must learn to navigate and to do that he must learn his maths.
I didn't quite know what to expect from this evening's production - I remembered Robert Gillespie from his acting roles in the seventies and eighties, but didn't realise quite how dark a comedy I was about to witness.
Don't let this put you off though, it's an absolutely fascinating piece, and I loved it. A very original mix of humour and tragedy, it sees a retired Estate Agent buy himself a mail order bride / prostitute - and whilst at first he's happy with the arrangement, things soon change.
Stuart Sessions was absolutely electrifying in the lead role as the poor tormented Michael, whilst Clare Cameron is sexually charged yet also quite terrifying in places, in a role which demands much from the actress - but she delivers in spades.
I never rate anything 5/5 as I've yet to see the perfect play, but this is a superb piece of theatre, and one which I'd recommend to all. - Steven Jones
10 Apr 10
A challenge to Western ideals regarding love. Captivating, intense performances keep you engaged with a series of interesting ideas about the assumptions underpinning your aims in life. - Emily Evans
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