Review: ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR, London Classic Theatre - Belgrade Theatre Coventry

It is rare to come across a piece of theatre that leaves you in a space of not knowing how to feel. When asked if a good time was had, the answer inevitably was yes – but… and then a silence as the ability to articulate that ‘but’ suddenly disappears. Surely a sign of good theatre is a piece that sweeps you out of the day’s trials and stresses, and educates, entertains and challenges preconceived concepts and ideas. Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular certainly manages to stir up the feels. This black comedy has you tittering in your seat, whilst sat in the uncomfortable hope that we - as a society - have progressed beyond the farce and satire delivered on stage.

Absurd Person Singular follows three dysfunctional couples as they host Christmas Eve parties in the early 70’s. Starting in the modest home of Sidney and Jane Hopcroft, Paul Sandys and Felicity Houlbrooke have the unenviable challenge of setting the tone and the comedy styling of the play. As the party takes place in the other room, the kitchen, the only part of the house we see, becomes the sanctuary. The pair rise to the challenge, enjoying the long pauses without dialogue, committing to the physical comedy without crossing the line into caricatures. 

The beginning of Act 2 is the highlight of the play. Helen Keeley delivers an outstanding performance as Eva Jackson without even saying a word. Keeley holds the audience in the palm of her hand; with one eye on her at all times, the other eye is trying to take in the chaos that ensues around her. John Dorney’s self-obsessed portrayal of Geoffrey Jackson is somehow likeable, which is quite difficult to process as he is far from endearing.

The final section sees Rosanna Miles and Graham O’Mara come into their own as Marion and Ronald Brewster-Wright. The couple, who start at the top of the societal ladder, end at the mercy of people they originally thought they were a class above. With sharp and witty direction from Michael Cabot, the changes in societal and financial status is clear, with a dark reminder that we are all a sum of our choices and nothing is set in stone. 

In a world of #metoo, some of the writing seems a little outdated. Comedic referencing to up-skirting and spousal ownership is occasionally difficult to swallow. That being said, truth is found in Aykbourn’s writing and Cabot’s direction. The discomfort is present due to not understanding the motivation behind the audience’s laughter. Such references hold the play in the dark comedy genre; it’s funny but not all at the same time. 

A compelling watch. If you find Absurd Person Singular is coming to a theatre near you, I would strongly advise you get yourself a ticket. This piece is a conversation starter that you’d be sad to miss.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

Absurd Person Singular is on tour until October 2021. To book tickets, please click here.