Review: TAPPED, Theatre503
Photo credit: Lidia Crisafulli
According to Urban Dictionary, ‘tapped’ is a term used to refer to someone who’s “not all there in the head”. An insensitive word that belies the warmth and sensitivity of Katie Redford’s new play, which is a wryly affectionate tribute to playwright’s native Nottingham.
In a garage in Stapleford, the relentlessly positive Gavi (Max Hastings) hosts motivational workshops, sparsely attended by his Co-op colleagues - bickering mother and daughter Dawn and Jen (Jennifer Daley and Olivia Sweeney). The play that unfolds is a poignant reflection on the characters’ personal goals and the barriers (mostly self-imposed) that stop them from being achieved.
Redford’s play is refreshingly grounded and honest. Not swamped by vaulting ambitions and a need to disrupt the universe, the ambitions of the characters are as simple as organising a fundraiser, applying for a job, and starting a paranormal investigation group.
Redford is a truly gifted comic writer. Her dialogue is zippy, keenly observed and packed with laughs. Of course, a comic script is nothing without the support of a competent cast and the deft handling of a confident director. So thankfully the trio assembled by director Piers Black do justice and then some to Redford’s writing, so that by the end of the play, you feel genuinely bereft to say goodbye to these characters.
Max Hastings holds the proceedings together as organised top-motivator Gavi. Hastings is earnest and adorable, you’d have to have a heart of stone to fail to be taken in by his positive visualisation techniques. Jennifer Daley is nothing short of brilliant. The comic centrepiece of Tapped, Daley still lends a depth and fragility to Dawn. Olivia Sweeney completes the cast as Jen, an initially sullen and jaded character who blooms throughout the play to reveal intricate and beautiful cracks.
The epigraph to Redford’s playscript (published by Nick Hern Books) is a quote from her mum which reads “how are we meant to see the light if there are no cracks”. These cracks (not faults, we hasten to add) are visible throughout the production, in the sensitive writing and performances as well as the design. Designer Ceci Calf and lighting designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán are a dream team, working wonders to transform the setting of a Stapleford garage into something subtly magic, with effective music and sound design by Conrad Kira completing the world of this ‘Stabbo’ garage.
A heart-warming comedy fuelled by everyday magic. Don’t miss your chance to catch this world premiere from a truly exciting playwright.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Olivia Perrett
Tapped plays at Theatre503 until 23 April, with tickets available here