The Stage

Get Carter

Published Thursday 13 October 2005 at 12:30 by Lisa Whitbread

There is a profusion of male bravado, cocky swaggering and gangland violence in this exciting theatre adaptation of Ted Lewis’ story.

Jack Lord plays gangster Jack Carter, determined to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding brother Frank’s death and wanting to settle old scores. He finds Frank’s daughter Doreen and investigates deeper into the northern criminal underworld, attracting the wrong attention with dramatic results. With slow motion but bloody violence, he tries to extinguish those who must pay the price.

Five actors play the other 22 characters, switching energetically between them. Daniel Copeland convincingly alternates accents and movements as six of the characters, including nervy Eric and comical Peter the Dutchman. Kieron Jecchinis’ confident multi-role playing as Kinnear, Brumby, Albert, Con and Les match Copeland.

Sally Orrock and Angela Ward share the six female roles. Orrock makes much of her characters, particularly as Edna Garfoot, working well with Lord. Ward plays sassy Glenda and feisty Doreen with subtle variety and Tim Weekes completes this powerful and confident cast with his own surety in five roles.

Neil Irish’s versatile set gives a letterbox style and encorporates a clever line of lockers, which become doors, wardrobes, cupboards and urinals. The stage’s deep raking creates a sense of height and naturalism and the creativity with the two benches is well thought out and effective.

Jonathan Holloway and David Sherman’s blunt lighting helps the gritty edge, accompanied by Jon Nicholls’ thumping soundtrack.

This is tough-talking, hard-hitting, contemporary and cinematic theatre.