A highly challenging story which draws on the Arthurian story of Gawain and the Green Knight, and references many others. The central character, Alan, is challenged to a game by his brother after the death of their parents. Sibling rivalry emerges, which pushes both of them to the limits of acceptable behaviour and beyond. As others look on, Alan is challenged to stab his brother in a scene which deliberately references the story of Cain and Abel. The brother survives and orders him to meet him in a years time to receive a reciprocal blow which his brother says will kill him. Time passes and Alan travels to the appointed place. He has three days to wait. The story flows on. The blow falls. Blood is shed. The play ends.Rough Fiction and South Hill Park, the team behind this production bring the varied skills of acting and puppetry together in this work. The puppets are manipulated expertly and are used to reflect Alans inner voice(s). It is an effective theatrical device. The ensemble work within the company is strong, enabling quick scene and costume changes to happen onstage with the minimum of fuss and maximum effect.
