Review: THE DUMB WAITER AND A SLIGHT ACHE, Greenwich Theatre

Photo credit: Danny Kaan

The Dumb Waiter and A Slight Ache are two one-act plays by Harold Pinter that have been connected together by director James Haddrell to create one evening of solid theatrical entertainment, with some interesting threads linking the two initially unrelated-seeming stories. 

The Dumb Waiter revolves around Gus and Ben, two hitmen stuck in a cramped basement, waiting for their next job. As they grapple with the absurdity of their situation, tensions rise, uncovering themes of power dynamics, loyalty, and existential contemplation. A Slight Ache delves into the lives of Edward and Flora, a married couple whose peaceful existence takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a mysterious stranger simply known as The Matchseller. This play delves into the complexities of human emotions, exploring fears, desires, and the delicate nature of interpersonal relationships.

Both plays share a compelling blend of dark comedy and suspense, and both leave the endings open to interpretation, allowing the audience to engage in their own reflections and draw their own conclusions.

One aspect that immediately stands out while watching these plays is the set design, which successfully creates distinct atmospheres for each act. We start in Edward and Flora’s garden, move into their home (Edward’s study), and back to the garden – all achieved through the clever use of furniture and lighting (design by Matt Keywood). In the second act, we’re in that dingy basement, with furniture stacked against the walls and the titular dumb waiter staring at the audience in a most unassuming way. The attention to detail by set designer Alice Carroll is excellent and ensures that both stories are their own unique offering. 

The acting is excellent in both plays. Jude Akuwudike is particularly impressive as he portrays Edward in A Slight Ache and Gus in Dumb Waiter. These are two directly opposing characters, and Akuwudike manages to give each one their own personality, changing his voice, facial expressions, and movements to capture each character in just the right way. 

Kerrie Taylor's portrayal of Flora in A Slight Ache is equally impressive. She brings a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength to the character, making Flora relatable and deeply human. Taylor's performance draws us into the emotional journey of Flora, allowing us to connect with her fears, desires, and the complexities of her relationship with Edward – and The Matchseller. 

Tony Mooney brilliantly captures the essence of Ben in The Dumb Waiter, a character caught between conflicting emotions, portraying his façade of control while subtly hinting at underlying vulnerabilities. His performance adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, leaving us guessing about his true intentions until the very end. But where Mooney really shines is in his portrayal of The Matchseller in A Slight Ache, a character who steals the scene without uttering a single word. Through his menacing and eerily creepy presence, Mooney commands attention. 

Despite the plays being fun and highly watchable, there are a few minor issues with staging that affects the audience's experience. Sight lines occasionally present challenges, making it difficult for some viewers to fully engage with certain moments on stage. Additionally, a bright light shining in the eyes of some audience members proves to be a distraction; they had to shield their eyes when it was used. While these issues do not significantly detract from the overall performance, they are noticeable and could be improved to enhance future productions.

The Dumb Waiter and A Slight Ache presents an enjoyable evening of theatre, showcasing the talent and creativity of the cast and crew. With a fantastic set design, superb acting, and the clever direction of James Haddrell, this production succeeds in delivering two dark comedies that are both entertaining and chilling.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Lisamarie Lamb

The Dumb Waiter and A Slight Ache plays at Greenwich Theatre until 3 June, with further information here.