Peter Gill's intoxicating play Small Change which dates from 1976 receives a spellbinding revival here. It is superbly directed by George Richmond-Scott, and we are taken on a journey through the memories of a young man, Gerard, stunningly well played by Andy Rush. He gets every nuance right as he recalls defining moments from his childhood in 1950s Cardiff. Without overplaying the accents, Gill's writing captures the lilt of the Welsh language. The second act is somewhat less frenetic than act one and the climactic dialogue between Gerard and his best friend, Vincent, has heartrending conviction. Toby Gordon's Vincent mesmerises us with a tremendous portrayal of a young man who is confused by feelings he cannot come to terms with. These are bravura performances. Sioned Jones and Tameka Mortimer are excellent as the boys' mothers. Jones has a wonderfully natural delivery as we feel her patent love for her son. It is, however, the physical production which raises the play to another plane. As the movement director, Rachel Wise has created an intricate web of tightly choreographed running, jumping and occasional stillness which conjures up the boisterous verve of childhood. She is helped enormously by Liam Bunster who has designed a deceptively simple set which is beautifully lit by Ali Hunter: we are transported easily into a long-lost world of childhood. Richmond-Scott's production brings us Gerard's complex search for redemption with stunning economy. Omnibus Theatre again demonstrates that it knows exactly how fringe theatre should work. We were totally absorbed.
Rated: ★★★★★
Reviewed by D.S.J.
Photo by Lidia Crisafulli.
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