Richard Parker Feedback
20 October 2009
'RICHARD PARKER' ON TOUR
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A genuinely stand-out work
Richard Parker
Cwmni Theatr 3D , Sherman Cymru, Cardiff , September 27, 2009
An hour long play consisting of two actors and two benches might sound like the typical small scale, wry-smile, nice but forgettable production
that theatre is so often deluged with. Not so. Richard Parker is a genuinely stand-out work that shows us how theatre should really be.
A play concerning the nature of coincidence and one man's absolute faith in it, Owen Thomas' script is absolutely first rate. His skilful crafting leads the two characters a merry dance between light and shade with never a word wasted. The ability to flit between hilarity and tragedy is not an easy one to master, but with Richard Parker Thomas has proved himself
extremely adept.
The actors, Alastair Sill and Gareth Bale (who also directed) make up the happy triumvirate, and both delivered exceptionally believable, and comic, performances; Alastair as the increasingly agitated victim, and Gareth as the menacing force controlling their fate. The writing is skilful but that is not to do away with the complete knowledge and power with which these two actors wield it.
A palpable wave of excitement washed over the privileged audience at Richard Parker's conclusion, and it would be folly to expect him to disappear.
Reviewed by: Rick Allden , Theatre-Wales website
‘It’s a really good play- I was properly impressed’
Steve Hall-Writer/Performer, We Are Klang, BBC
‘Brilliant’
Hannah Gittos-Writer/Performer of Edinburgh Festival Hit ‘Comedy Bitch’
‘A very funny, clever piece of work.’
Trudi Stevens-Producer, BBC Radio Comedy
Feedback
A genuinely stand-out work
Richard Parker
Cwmni Theatr 3D , Sherman Cymru, Cardiff , September 27, 2009
An hour long play consisting of two actors and two benches might sound like the typical small scale, wry-smile, nice but forgettable production
that theatre is so often deluged with. Not so. Richard Parker is a genuinely stand-out work that shows us how theatre should really be.
A play concerning the nature of coincidence and one man's absolute faith in it, Owen Thomas' script is absolutely first rate. His skilful crafting leads the two characters a merry dance between light and shade with never a word wasted. The ability to flit between hilarity and tragedy is not an easy one to master, but with Richard Parker Thomas has proved himself
extremely adept.
The actors, Alastair Sill and Gareth Bale (who also directed) make up the happy triumvirate, and both delivered exceptionally believable, and comic, performances; Alastair as the increasingly agitated victim, and Gareth as the menacing force controlling their fate. The writing is skilful but that is not to do away with the complete knowledge and power with which these two actors wield it.
A palpable wave of excitement washed over the privileged audience at Richard Parker's conclusion, and it would be folly to expect him to disappear.
Reviewed by: Rick Allden , Theatre-Wales website
‘It’s a really good play- I was properly impressed’
Steve Hall-Writer/Performer, We Are Klang, BBC3
‘Brilliant’
Hannah Gittos-Writer/Performer of Edinburgh Festival Hit ‘Comedy Bitch’
‘A very funny, clever piece of work.’
Trudi Stevens-Producer, BBC Radio Comedy
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David Cox
Richard Parker - 30th September 2010 Fate or coincidence. That is the premise for Owen Thomas's play briefly re-appearing at the Gate Theatre. Two seemingly unconnected strangers meet on a ferry crossing, exchange pleasantries then uncover the fact that they share the same name. The livelier Richard Parker, an unhesitantly mesmorising performance by Gareth John Bale, reveals his extraordinary theories about coincidences leading to the revelation that he KNOWS the ferry will capsize and chooses to take his namesake prisoner for reasons that would ruin the interesting and unexpected plot. Naturally his predictions come to pass and we are sent hurtling towards a dramatic climax. The fact that the Greek tragic-style twist is guessable, does not detract from the quality of the writing and the high level of acting. Alistair Sill's Richard Parker is a more hesitant, less certain man constantly re-acting to the surprising utterances from his captor. His increasing frustration and desperation was perfectly portrayed and contrasts well with the assured,calm, everything is pre-destined manner of his namesake. I am not a great fan of the Gate theatre but Gareth Bale ( this time with his director's hat on ) judged it perfectly by reducing the props to two benches and placing all the action at the front of the stage. This ensured that most of the dialogue could be heard clearly in contrast to most of the productions I have previously seen there. The key to the success of any show is how it is received by the paying customers. I sat in front of a man who drowned out some of the dialogue by laughing constantly ( did I mention it was very funny) and members of the audience audibly gasped when a ( strangely large) gun dramatically appeared. It is also refreshing to see a play that doesn't overstay its welcome. " Richard Parker" lasts just over and hour and actually left me wanting more, always a good sign. Having just survived my 12th Edinburgh festival I am pleased that Cwmni Theatre 3D are planning to take this show to next year's fringe as it deserves a wider audience and would stand out as one of the stronger pieces of theatre. A must-see.