With reports that Gay Free Zone leaflets have been appearing in the East End, Philip Ridley’s ten-year-old play resonates depressingly. But, as in all the work of the multi-talented author of modern Gothic - even his notorious Mercury Fur - hope is never abandoned because sometimes, as Anita says, “You need it to be really dark to see stars like that.”
Middle-aged Anita (Debra Baker) has just confronted 17-year-old Davey (Frank C.Keogh) about him stalking her. Turns out Davey is somehow involved in the horrific homophobic murder of her son, Vincent, who was beaten to death in Bethnal Green four months ago.
Over 80 taut minutes, stories change as both characters battle to establish a version of the truth, while this exercise in social realism takes on the emotional power of Greek drama thanks to Ridley’s beautiful imagery of savagery.
Leaving the underlying darkness to take care of itself, Gary Reid’s production is impressive for the moments of quiet reflection and tenderness between the two characters. A foot massage, the gentle helping on of a jacket and a lovely mirror image of Anita sub-consciously imitating Davey, combine to welcome light into the gloom helped by the nuanced portraits of two outcasts on the edge from Keogh and Baker.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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