The obvious, but often overlooked difficulty with one act plays is their length. Too long to rely on gimmicks as sketches often do, yet too short for a decent narrative arc; crafting an effective one act is all about balance. It’s fair to say that Theatre Tasters offerings demonstrate three different ways it can go slightly wrong without careering into abysmal territory. There’s a lot to like in this fun, diverse trio written by Australian, Scottish, and Norwegian artists, but none of them quite hit the mark.
Writer Angus Algie’s soliloquy about a former convict who gives nocturnal tours of the prison in which he used to reside is without question the weakest link. His script is lyrical, and evidently has much to say about the nature of justice and corruption, but actor Mark Young’s Steve can’t measure up.Tutting inadvertently between every line, Young’s delivery is bereft of flair or comic timing.The industrial torch he uses as part of the routine is a great touch though, and in all honesty comes across as a better actor.
By contrast, Torya Winters’ performance in the second piece, Lovely Burder, is great. Playing a care home worker whose negative attitude clashes with that of an optimistic colleague, Winters is dry and sardonic, clearly relishing her own cynicism. Heather Irvine’s script is loosely interesting, but in dire need of a good edit. The ideological argument is so overlong that the two actresses start inexplicably bouncing on trampolines half way through, one can only assume in a desperate bid to liven things up.
Bringing up the rear, Oda Fiskum’s wonderful satire of Starbucks café culture is the strongest of the three. Kristofor Bate had the audience in hysterics as the applicant, plunged into a world of skinny decaf lattes and membership cards. Mercilessly attacking giant multinational corporations in a small, dingy basement is Fringe theatre at its purest. Ultimately, it doesn’t really go anywhere and would perhaps be better suited to a sketch show, but it’s still extremely effective.
If you get some time, head over to the Phoenix pub and give Theatre Tasters a whirl. Three one act masterpieces it isn’t, but it is a pleasant enough way to spend an hour.
