Ed Fringe 2010: A Clockwork Orange – Spaces @ The Radisson Blu Hotel
Writer: Anthony Burgess
Adaptor: Fourth Monkey Theatre Company
Director: Steven Green
Reviewer: John Roberts
The Public Reviews Rating: 
I have to admit to not knowing much about A Clockwork Orange either as a film by Stanley Kubrick or the novella by Anthony Burgess the only thing that is etched firmly in my mind is the iconic movie image of white and orange and bowler hats. So it was with relief that Fourth Monkey ignored the iconography of the piece and created their own utopian vision.
Director Steven Green has decided to change the sex of the main character to female, one would guess by judging the source material that he wanted to say something about females and gang culture in today’s society, however this vision never really materialises: mainly due to the fact that throughout various moments of the piece the characters within still refer to the role of Alex as being male. There are some excellent moments in the piece, but there are far too many ideas thrown into the mixing pot and not one real style honed and focused on – stand out moments include a stylised physical dance fight sequence and the stunning and pitch perfect set ( Fiona Russell) and lighting design (Joshua Carr.)
The performances are mix matched on one hand we have a solitary, sophisticated and sexy Alex played by Amy Brangwyn, but on the other her lack of vocal variation and over extended stares towards the audience became tiresome, whilst Theo Ancient as the Prison Chaplin brings a much needed level and air of professionalism to the proceedings. The ensemble need to be careful that they don’t throw the words out so quickly that we lose what is being said, and more careful work and rehearsal is needed to pull off some of the choral moments of the piece.
Overall this production lacked the finer details and is perhaps 15 minutes too long, it also never really carried through the air of menace and suspense that so beautifully worked and created at the start of the production. This version of A Clockwork Orange is a jack of all trades and master of none.
Tags: A Clockwork Orange, Amy Brangwyn, Anthony Burgess, Edinburgh Fringe 2010, Fourth Monkey Theatre Company, Spaces @ Radisson Blu Hotel, Steven Green, Theo Ancient
5:48 pm on August 11th, 2010
Still worth a look though – I saw this production in London and thought it was a better and more true representation of what Burgess was trying to say about individual freedom of choice than the film which was an exercise in style over substance. It’s a pretty young company who bring a raw edge to the proceedings. I agree with the words sometimes being lost due to the rapid fire delivery of Amy – but she makes up for it by her manic delivery and change of tone and tempo when becoming the sniveling wretch without choice. I disagree that the menace wasn’t carried through and you do need the occassional lighter moment to relieve the tension. Costumes were great too and really there is not a weak performance from the rest of the company who hang together well. Maybe not truly masterful but certainly not a waste of money or time either!