Marathon Madness
They Shoot Horses, Don’t
They?
Newcastle People’s Theatre
Until Saturday 23rd
May 2015.
Depression
era America resulted in desperate
measures for hard times. Horace McCoy’s was written during this period and
reflects the sacrifices made in order to survive. Ray Herman’s adaptation is a
rare production to see on the stage as it involves a live band and a cast that
fills the stage. Newcastle’s People’s Theatre are
not known to shy away from the big productions and they have succeeded in
bringing the spectacle on the pier to life.
 |
| Steve Robertson Photo: Paula Smart |
The
show begins with large crowds of couples signing up for a dancing marathon.
They are promised food and accommodation as long as they keep dancing. The
bonus is that they can win $1000 if they’re the last couple standing. Out to make
money out of their pain is Rocky Gravo, played by Steve Robertson. He comes
across at times like a social club compare – complete with singing. Helping him out as a referee is Rollo who
lives on her roller skates. Jess Chapman is perfect as the keeper of the rules
as she shows no mercy to the dancers as they collapse.
The
play focuses on a few couples. Ruby (Jessica Hannah) and Mario (Joe Robson) who
are favourites as they have won previous competitions but will struggle this
time as Ruby is expecting their first child. Some couples such as James (Craig
Fairbairn) and Jackie (Moira Valentine) barely talk whilst Robert (Tom Potts)
and Gloria (Sarah Scott) had just met before the contest started.
 |
| Sarah Scott Photo: Paula Smart |
Central
to the show is the dancing and the story is allowed to develop as the couples
dance. This helps the show flow somewhat. Steve Robertson breaks the fourth
wall regularly as the theatre audience find themselves applauding the action on
stage. The other major piece in this show’s jigsaw is the live band under
Musical Director Tom Albans. As the dancers are reduced to almost Shaun of the Dead style zombies after
the relentless dancing, the band remain fresh as they keep up the tempo on
events. Under the direction of Tony Childs and Sarah McLane the action is
invigorating throughout the piece.
The
show has a modern relevance. Television programmes like Big Brother or the many
talent shows will often put the participants through scenarios that border on
humiliation in order to increase ratings. The same applies in the dance
marathon as “derbies” are introduced as a spectacle. Steve Robertson’s Rocky
has a thirst for the extravaganza in preference for participant’s welfare.
When
compared with the Newcastle Playhouse production in the early ‘90s, this show
has accessible characters that the audience will quickly warm to. Whilst the
cast go through the wars, the members of the audience are allowed to remain
unscathed. The cast work hard and look genuinely in pain towards the end. The
individual styles of dancing of each couple looks better than the tight
choreography of previous productions.
They Shoot Horses, Don’t
They? is
a passionate and touching tale which shows that the People’s Theatre are
capable of great productions. Congratulations to everyone involved.
This review was written by Stephen
Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide by Jowheretogo
PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Tickets:
They
Shoot Horses, Don’t They? by Ray Herman, adapted from the novel by Horace McCoy
at The People’s Theatre, Newcastle from
Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May 2015 at 7.30pm.
Tickets:
£13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office: 0191 265 5020 (option 2) or online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0191 265 5020 (option 2) or online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk
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