Nuclear War, Buried, and Graceland - Old Red Lion Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until March 21, 2020


“Oh death, where is thy sting?” could well be a subtitle for Alexander Knott's enthralling triptych comprising Buried, Graceland and Nuclear War. The first of these, Buried, is brilliantly performed by James Demaine as a man temporarily entombed in a collapsed building. His entire life flashes through his mind in a torrent of words and actions. His first drink, his first sexual experience, military service, boxing are all presented with tremendous physicality. In Graceland, Anthony Cozens plays an endearingly dysfunctional teacher who is pilloried by his class. By using the audience as his class, Cozens gains a terrific and often hilarious rapport. Kids can be both perceptive and cruel so when they discover that he is being cuckolded a different side of the teacher emerges. Using combustion as a metaphor for life we enjoyed this ingenious play and the performance enormously. Nuclear War comes as a shock when we meet two women, played by Zöe Grain and Freya Sharp, who portray two sides of the same personality. Using complex movement at times to emphasise how the loss of a partner can be unbearable, the excellent Grain and Sharp frequently speak in unison and with distinctive vocal rhythms which can be bewildering as we hurtle along this unusual roller coaster of experiences. Helped throughout by Samuel Heron's ingenious use of sound and composition these pieces are certainly thought provoking. By placing them together Knott gives us an exceptionally rewarding and brilliantly performed entertainment.

Reviewed by D.S.J.
Photo © Charles Flint Photography.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until March 21, 2020
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm. Sat: 3 pm
Old Red Lion Theatre
Nearest tube: Angel
https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/nuclear-war-buried-graceland.html

Most Popular

The Way Old Friends Do ★★★★ Park Theatre | Mar 15 - Apr 15, 2023

Bonnie & Clyde ★★★★ Garrick Theatre | Mar 4 - May 20, 2023

The Great British Bake Off Musical ★★★★ Noël Coward Theatre | Until May 13, 2023

Oklahoma! ★★★★ Wyndham’s Theatre | Until September 2, 2023

Seeta Patel Dance – The Rite of Spring ★★★★ Sadler's Wells Theatre | March 13 - 14, 2023

Leaving Vietnam ★★★★ Park Theatre | Mar 14 - Apr 8, 2023

The Bodyguard ★★★★ New Wimbledon Theatre | March 6 - 11, 2023

Farm Hall ★★★★ Jermyn Street Theatre | Mar 9 - Apr 8, 2023

The Journey to Venice ★★★★ Finborough Theatre | Feb 28 - Mar 25, 2023

Romeo and Julie ★★★ National Theatre | Feb 14 - Apr 1, 2023

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings