LOWER SIXTH SCRATCHFEST STUDIO PRODUCTIONS
more than made up for it . The anguish the audience felt for him was substantial . And finally , bullshit . This play takes a cynical look at all of the mind games , competitiveness , cliquishness and general bullshit that goes on in the corporate world .
BULL
Bull , by Mike Bartlett , may have lacked the murderous grannies and real cottage pie of Bingo , the student-written second half of this double bill , but it packed a punch . It offered a grounded and realistic theatrical experience . The staging was simple , consisting of only an office desk , a couple of chairs and a sofa , and every scene takes place in this one setting . Its mundanity conceals how unexpected and thrilling the events are that unfold on stage .
Mike Bartlett does love his single noun titles , and just like many of his other plays , the title of Bull takes on many meanings . Firstly , bullfighting . The central staging motif of a bullfighting ring was brought to life by Scarlett Robinson ’ s West-Endquality directing . Every character ’ s action and movement on stage was deliberate , with Isobel ( Clem Mayhew ) and Tony ( Fred McGahan ) coming up to Thomas ( Max Joseph ) to poke at him with personal digs and critiques , like matadors cutting into the flesh of a bull , only to retreat , waving insults at Bull-Thomas like a red cape , stoking his anger . Secondly , bullying . This is where most of the uncomfortable parts arose from . Despite no one actually getting physically stabbed , Bingo-style , the psychological violence committed against Thomas
Bull was engaging , but also uncomfortable at times – because you knew that what took place on stage can happen in real life . This was only enhanced by the performances . Each actor played their part incredibly well . Almost a little too well . Fred , as Tony , would blend right in if he appeared in The Wolf of Wall Street . Max ’ s transformation into the pitiable character of Thomas was startling – playing such a pathetic and badly treated man so well , I hope it doesn ’ t weigh on his psyche ! Clem brought an almost laid-back aloofness to the vicious and calculating Isobel , as well as a subtle emotional gravitas to the character . Louis Dunn brought his A-game to the role of company boss , Carter , giving a fun and convincing performance .
BINGO
Tabitha Bolter , Lower Sixth
A rollercoaster of laughs , gasps and a little too much cottage pie – Charles FitzGerald ’ s Bingo is the perfect example of the creative student minds constantly buzzing in the Drama department .
Even with the IB looming over him , Charles , alongside the extremely talented director , Fenella Hodges , managed to create a sickening comedy that follows two pensioners as they partake in a casual , murderous rampage .
I was blown away by the cast ’ s ability to create such a strong sense of ensemble – wheeling desks on and dead bodies off the stage like a dance that gave the piece a real flow . Charles ’ s ability to scribble down hilarious references and nail stereotypes you didn ’ t even know existed was incredible , but could not have been done without the brilliant co-stars , Charlie Bailey and Tabitha Bolter , who managed to ace the performance as disgruntled old ladies with a little too much of a passion for crime .
50 DRAMA REVIEW