NUTS ‘Who’s Play is it Anyway?’ Review
On Tuesday the 4th of June, a group of Noise editors went to see NUTS’ new production, ’Who’s Play is it Anyway?’ Becky reviews the three pieces.
Act 1: One Confession and a Funeral
The opening act of the evening was a bittersweet story showcasing the complexities of relationships and love. I found the conclusion to be grounded, and the pacing of the storyline was spot-on for a short production.
The two leads, Ella (portrayed by Abigail Tapping) and Riley (portrayed by Olivia Barret) had a wonderful dynamic. Abigail's performance immediately captivated me, and Olivia sold the chemistry.
The set design was simplistic yet effective, featuring a park bench set against a brick wall adorned with posters. The heart-shaped 'condolences' balloon served as a clever representation of the play's central themes. The costumes and makeup choices further enhanced the distinct personalities of each character.
Kudos must be given to Alice Thompson, who made her directorial debut with this production. The blocking, in particular, stood out as a highlight. Creating engaging yet understated movement in a duet can be challenging, but Thompson struck the perfect balance.
Act 2: The Wait
’The Wait’ written by Divya Nandyal and directed by Beatrice Upton-Oettel was a delightful introspective piece. Rayyan Khan's portrayal of the waiter was charming and engaging from the start. The writing and Rayyan's initial monologue expertly blend humor and imagination, evoking a vivid picture of a chance encounter at an infinity pool.
While I found myself applauding the waiter's exit, the arrival of Susannah Pretty and Isla Harris was a delightful surprise. Their on-stage dynamic was amusing, and the wine scene, in particular, offered a lively character study of Elliot and Sandra. However, I must confess to another round of applause as they exited the stage.
The return to the opening scene provided a satisfying closure, tying the various elements together seamlessly. The props, set, and lighting effectively transported me into the waiter's perspective, creating an immersive experience. The costumes, especially Susannah's red dress, played a vital role in establishing the luxurious restaurant setting.
Overall, I think Beatrice has done a wonderful job with this and I look forward to seeing what they do next.
Act 3: The Undetectives
The final show for the evening, ‘The Undetectives’ was a raunchy comedy featuring an eccentric and diverse cast of personalities.
Each of the cast members truly embodied their characters and you could tell they were enjoying themselves making it a captivating and humorous watch. A special shoutout goes to Anastasia Dougenis and Gaby Whalland, whose commitment to their vocal performance truly impressed me.
The set changes are equally captivating to watch, particularly with the dead body and kidnapped scenes. Props to the tech team for seamlessly blending the various lighting cues and sound effects, allowing the play to effortlessly accommodate the larger cast. The costuming and set pieces were wonderfully utilised, reinforcing character traits, advancing the plot or just entertaining the audience with a gag.
Trinity Ray skillfully balanced the ensemble, ensuring that each character had their moment to shine. I hope to see them work with another Diya Sengupta story again.
