Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Cast: Jennifer Bea, Greg Russell.
A sharp and touching slice of English life set in a Northern Pub owned by a savagely bickering husband and wife. Two is a series of short vignettes that skilfully combines pathos and humour, with all fourteen characters played by two actors. During the course of the evening assorted customers pass through including a little boy left behind by his father – an event which triggers a movement towards a fragile reconciliation between the pub couple, as their own dark tragedy is revealed.
Due to its simple casting requirements and the abundance of challenging characters, Jim Cartwright’s classic play Two is one of the most commonly produced plays in the modern theatrical cannon and in Merseyside alone the play has been produced at least once in each of the last three years.
At the start of the play the audience is instantly transported into a busy pub which is in the middle of a hectic service. The rocky relationship of the landlord and landlady is made very apparent. The characters the audience meets first are a couple in trouble. Living and working together has taken its strain and hearing the same jokes made every night has gotten right under the landlady’s skin.
As the play progresses, so does the choice of characters and regulars who frequent the pub for their choice of tipple, from a cheeky lothario who loves everyone (including some very uncomfortable audience members) to a fat couple enjoying a country and western movie, every facet of life is touched upon.
Both actors perform wonderfully. The production really is a masterclass of characterisation, much more than just different accent or different hat and Greg Russell’s face seems to morph into different people. It’s hard to believe that the man from Lancashire who giggles ‘Fat Fat Palomino’ and the cowardly Scottish wife beater are played by the same actor.
In contrast Jennifer Bea’s triumph is that she plays above her age so convincingly. Conventionally the actors in the play are usually in their mid-40’s. Jennifer is much younger than this, yet her older characters she portrays are so detailed and believable. A highlight is Jennifer’s very posh muscle loving, overbearing woman who drives her ‘little’ husband to despair.
Ritchie Grice has done a fine job directing the performers through this play. Large chucks of dialogue are delivered with the lightest of touches and the play’s climax is built in such a sensitive way. Also the balance of comedy and emotion is judged perfectly.
If you remember when the days of public house didn’t feel like going into a supermarket, when pubs were really pubs, or you enjoy a brilliant play performed really well by a very intelligent, emotive cast, then Two is the play for you.
Anthony Proctor