God of Carnage
Nuffield Theatre, Southampton
One has to wonder whether we all carry a bit of carnage
within ourselves, after seeing this play. In this production, Yasmina Reza’s award winning play, God of Carnage, a strong cast helps to bring alive issues of child-rearing and marriage whilst leaving the audience in stitches.
The production starts off
with two sets of parents trying to resolve a serious incident between their
children. What ensues however are continuously heated arguments about who is in
the right, whilst bringing out some ugly sides to the parents. With some witty
dialogue it is hilarious to watch these people stoop to the level of monsters
Within a simple set of a stylish lounge, with a tint of
red to it, the play relies on the performances which are what the production
excels at. However within a 1 hour and 20 minute one act play so much is revealed that I can only give my general thoughts on the characters without spoiling the twists of the complex narrative.
Matthew Kelly’s Michel Vallon is jolly and keeps agreeing with
everything the others say. James Clyde, as hotshot lawyer Alain Reille, with
mobile at the ready, is to the point and confrontational. Yet it is clear that
both lack the concern for their sons that the women display.
Tracey Childs’ Veronique Vallon was the upstanding,
overbearing wife who is ever willing to preach on child-rearing methods and the
third World. Miranda Foster is a fragile but intelligent and graceful Annette
Reille. It becomes clear that her problems stem from the attitude of her work
obsessed husband.
These strong performances allow the wit and swirling issues
of the play to be cleverly brought to the fore.
Although it is perhaps 10 minutes too long, this delightful one act play combines laughter with the serious issues of
child-rearing and marital discord. Go and see this at a low Top Price
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