Review: I Promise You Sex and Violence at Newcastle Northern Stage

Let’s Be Honest 
About How We Feel

I Promise You Sex and Violence

Newcastle Northern Stage

Until Saturday 20 September 2014.

Cast:               Keith Fleming – Bunny

                        Esther McAuley – Charlie

                        Reuben Johnson – Queue

Creatives:      David Ireland – Writer

                        Lorne Campbell – Director

                        Garance Marneur – Designer

                        David Holmes – Lighting Designer

                        John Alder – Composition and Sound Designer

Northern Stage has always been proud of its willingness to perform new work and productions which may not be comfortable for everyone. Any play which explores themes such as racism, homophobia, misogyny and sexism is always going to be difficult for some to enjoy but this could be the making of a cult hit.

Keith Fleming and Esther MacAuley Photo: Mark Savage

Under Northern Stage’s Artistic Director Lorne Campbell’s direction this production Keith Fleming’s play may be shocking to some. Scenes of what normally happens behind closed doors will not be everyone’s cup of tea. 

Keith Fleming and Reuben Johnson Photo: Mark Savage

Keith Fleming captures the complexities of Bunny well and Esther McAuley explores the nature of some modern 30 somethings as Charlie. They are complemented by Reuben Johnson’s Queue who has a challenging role playing a character who never says the right thing for 2014 sensibilities.  The sell-out crowd had moments in which they laughed at the interaction of these 3 dysfunctional characters. The ending seemed out of place with the rest which is the shame.

An eclectic production which isn’t shy at confronting the problems of a troubled state of mind.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo 

Tickets:

Strictly 18+

5-20 Sept, 8pm

Tickets: £14.50 / £12 conc.

Box Office: 0191 230 5151

or online at www.northernstage.co.uk

Post-show discussion: Thu 11 Sept

On The Web:

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/i-promise-you-sex-and-violence 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/northernstage

Facebook: www.facebook.com/northernstage