Review: What A Carve Up! Digital Production
Amongst all of the uncertainty that this year has brought, 2020 has assured us one thing that's for sure, the show will go on. One theatre who has absolutely ensured that this is the case is the Barn Theatre. What A Carve Up! is another of the theatre's digital premieres this year but the first collaboration between them, Lawrence Batley Theatre and New Wolsey Theatre.
What A Carve Up! tells the story of the Winshaw family, six members of whom were murdered in 1991. We join the son of the prime suspect 30 years later in this new, riveting play. The family is one of the most corrupt, powerful and toxic families in the country and you are in for a ride with this story!
The cast of this digital production are stellar with some big names within the industry getting involved, including Stephen Fry, Rebecca Front and Tamzim Outhwaite. The storyline is very intriguing and Jonathan Coe's 1994 novel has been presented in digital mediums that work so effectively. It's a great combination of radio play and true crime documentary but also brings theatrical value in there too. What A Carve Up! has been created to visually grasp the audience's attention for the 75-minute production and it does so superbly. I thoroughly engaged with the different transitions between characters and mediums to tell this mystery in as bold a way as possible.
Playing the son of the suspect, Raymond, is Alfred Enoch. His father, Michael Owen, disappeared after the murders and is who the police believe committed the crimes. He does a great job at presenting all of the evidence to build a defence case for his father. He portrays the different emotions that come with this well and you felt at the forefront of the defence team with him.
Collectively, the casting for this show is incredible and added to the different layers of suspense and interest to what actually happened to the Winshaw family on that fateful evening.
As an audience member, you are thrust into the action from the very beginning and What A Carve Up! ensures you are in it for the long haul. Overall, What a Carve Up! is a fantastic digital experience that mystery genre fans will adore! The cast make it so easy to feel a part of the action. I really hope it gets the attention it deserves.
What A Carve Up! is available to stream until 29 November. You can find out how to book your tickets and support the theatres during this time here.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt
