On the Verge - Review

This production by Sweetspot Theatre provided an appreciative audience with a fine example of the Theatre of the Absurd that reflected the influences of Eugene Ionesco, Spike Milligan and Monty Python. It chronicled the adventures of three female Victorian explorers, not only through the hazards of a land known as Terra Incognito, but also through time. A bizarre journey is enacted during which the trio tackle the challenges of the jungle, mountains and icy wastelands ending up in 1950s America having met along the way a gallery of zany characters, all outrageously portrayed by Mark Katz.

A word of praise must go to Phil Hewitt, the Technical Director, and his team for their imaginative staging of the challenging requirements of the text. Full use of the studio space was made in order to create the various locations and to surprise the audience with sets within the set. Impressive sound effects and subtle lighting completed the transformation.

I was impressed with the high standard of acting and comic skills of Victoria Gould, Emma Kirby and Kate Van Dike. Their teamwork provided an evening full of humour, much of which arose from each of the explorers trying to outdo the others by way of their traveller's tales. Long will the memory of whirling egg whisks say in my mind!

The author Eric Overmyer clearly has an inventive mind and a love of language and was well served by the company. It was an evening not to be missed by those seeking something completely different.

Barrie Jerram