Written by: Natasha O’Neill (@natashaoh)
Pentameters Theatre, London
***
First of
all, it must be noted that the Pentameters Theatre is a wonderful little gem
nestled at the top of a winding staircase above the Three Horseshoes Pub in
Hampstead. It showcases both new writing and revamped classics alike. The Jess Docker Show by Harry Saks is a
satirical look at how the 'trash culture' of programs such as The X Factor and Big Brother are creating a dumbed-down society in which it is
difficult to maintain artistic integrity and survive within the arts industry.
Low-budget
filmmaker Tristan (Andrew Fitch) and scriptwriter Holly (Chloe Fontaine) are
living in a rundown, grotty Camden flat and are reaching breaking point with
both their relationship, and their lack of professional success. In a hope to
change their luck, Holly devises a plan; she is going to lure the sleazy
television personality, Jess Docker (Christopher Kouros), back to her and
Tristan's flat and attempt by any means necessary to get a slot on his
show. However, hot-headed Tristan threatens to jeopardise everything with his
inability to compromise on his principles.
It's a
fast-paced, rambunctious comedy, and with the recent scandal about
TV personality Jimmy Saville, it has quite a topical slant. Both Fitch and
Kouros deliver believable and charismatic performances, the intimate space
allowing for no escape from Docker's creepy gaze and oily persona. However, at
times the dialogue seems a little forced and unnatural, the conversation not
quite flowing easily and, occasionally, the story racing along ahead of itself.
What's more, Fontaine's Holly is hard to warm to, and has moments of being
over-acted. The sense of claustrophobia felt by Holly and Tristan and the lack
of escape for Docker is palpable for the audience as we, too, are held within
the tiny space of their flat. The clutter of both the set and the theatre
itself only adds to the sensation of being trapped within their world.
The plot
is fairly unpredictable. It is full of twists and there is a slightly
unexpected darkness resonating from Tristan's bitterness, Holly's desperation
and Docker's unapologetic debasement. The
Jess Docker Show is an enjoyable hour which ultimately culminates in quite
a satisfactory conclusion, leaving us questioning where our priorities lie and
how far we are really willing to go to achieve our dreams.
This production runs until
3rd February 2013.
For more information: http://www.pentameters.co.uk/WhatsOn
@Pentameters
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