The Person Without (24:7 Festival)

The Person Without tackles deep themes and introduces us to some disturbing characters. The audience is asked to consider whether the desire for revenge is stronger than the more rational need to forgive. As part of this examination we meet a woman who welcomes the hardship (and the possibility of damnation) needed to secure her revenge. Another character is incapable of accepting the extent to which his own actions may have contributed to his downfall or whether they were, to put it mildly, disproportionate. In the main, however, the play aspires to be a decent thriller – an objective that it largely achieves

The death of his daughter in an accident alienates Adam (John Molloy) from the surviving members of his family. Unable to bear the loneliness he accepts an invitation from a stranger to a poker game. During conversation with the other player Walt (Bernard Merrick) and the housekeeper Magee ( Joan McGee) it starts to dawn that Adam may be becoming involved in a Faustian deal for revenge.

The basic premise of The Person Without is familiar and shows the influences of Highsmith and Hitchcock. Writer Jenny Yates is still able to keep us involved in the developing action of the play. Only a final speech in which the plot is made obvious disappoints. A more experienced writer might have had the confidence to trust the audience to reach their own conclusion.

Although the influences of The Person Without may be cinematic director Ian Moore ensures that it works on stage. He exploits the uneasy felling that arises in the theatre when there are periods of silence to create tension. Moore makes good use of the facilities in the venue to allow unexpected entrances and extended exits although it’s high , echoing, walls are not really suitable to the atmosphere that the play needs.

The play features some fine, contrasting, performances. John Malloy can hardly conceal the pain behind Adam’s jaunty movements and his mask eventually crumbles into a child-like sulk. Bernard Merrick on the other hand shows that Walt’s inability to accept the consequences of his actions has reduced the extent to which he can feel any emotion. Although Adam succeeds in making some progress in provoking emotion in his new friend it is not sufficient to break through the wall created by Walt’s self-deception. Only Joan McGee as Magee displays any self-awareness accepting with relish the sacrifice needed to secure her revenge.

As well as being a good first play The Person Without is that rare thing – a satisfying thriller.

– Dave Cunningham