Neville’s Island

Published Monday 13 October 2008 at 14:40 by Fiona Phillips

Thanks to the uber-talented designer Sean Crowley, Torch Theatre productions always have sets appeal, but this time the team surpassed all expectations. Neville’s Island obviously needs an island. But a genuine lake, real earth, grass and rocks? This one really pushed the boat out - figuratively, as well as literally.

In fact it is testament to performances of pure power that the actors were never overshadowed by the phenomenal set. But from the moment they stepped - or rather splashed - their way onto the stage, all four became kings of this particular island set in the Lake District.

The premise of Tim Firth’s play is simple - four flabby middle-managers from a Manchester firm find themselves stranded on a island when a team-building, outdoor pursuits weekend goes wrong and their boat sinks.

All red-brace-wearing executives who still believe that sending a group of disparate colleagues on a gung-ho, Boy’s Own adventure is a good idea should take note. What starts out as a rip-roaring comedy gets progressively blacker in the second half as secrets are revealed, prejudices uncovered and psyches laid bare.

Good-time Gordon (Philip Childs), the master of the sarcastic putdown, systematically chips away at the quiet confidence of would-be boy-scout Angus (Edward Harrison), at team leader Neville (Stephen Casey) and at damaged Roy (Liam Tobin), whose previous psychological problems and new-found Christianity make him easy meat.

With many a nod to the Lord of Flies, Neville’s Island demonstrates man’s inhumanity to man wrapped up in a gag. Director Peter Doran chose to revisit Neville’s Island to celebrate his tenth anniversary at the Torch and has managed to perfectly combine the physical aspects of a top show with fine performances from an outstanding cast - a real example of team work.