Review - The Dumb Waiter

What’s On?  Production company Presents -

The Dumb Waiter

by 

Harold Pinter

Directed by Paul Watson

Lighting Design – Jason Bovaird

Set Michael Watson

Cast 

Ben – John Wood

Gus – Don Bridges

Chapel off Chapel

5 – 9 September 2018

This is an excellent opportunity to catch two consummate actors perform in a skillfully produced, short, clever theatre classic by Harold Pinter. 

On a washed out greyish set, by Michael Watson, of a sort of nasty basement hotel room - Ben (John Wood) and Gus (Don Bridges) interact over discussions about the mysterious endeavor they have been contracted to perform, and the more mundane difficulties of making a cup of tea.  Eventually they find themselves literally interacting with a dumb waiter.

Absurd measured and menacing - The Dumb Waiteris an intriguing riveting mystery that makes shocking sense in the last few seconds on stage.

Gus the more lively and perhaps naïve character moves around a lot and appears to be somewhat irritating to the sedate calm and confident Ben whom John Wood embodies with cool control.  As always Wood exudes charisma and is enigmatic and engaging to watch. 

Director Paul Watson delivers a clean clear production with both actors comfortable in their character’s skins.  The environment and atmosphere, he has had created, serves them well.

Sound is, appropriately, pretty much limited to the ticking of a clock.  The lighting is strong and imbues some effective dramatic changes.  However I, personally, would like to see lighting and the ticking sound subtly manipulated, as the piece progresses, to create a more destabilizing ambience.   

The Dumb Waiteris a great little work - and if you are thinking of catching its last couple of performances – do!  Perhaps it is being geared up to tour Regionally – if so - keep a look out for it.

Finally, audiences are given the chance to support the Actors Benevolent Fund a very important and worthwhile charity.  Take some cash with you.

Suzanne Sandow

(For Stage Whispers)