Ed Fringe 2010: Expectations – Pleasance Dome
Writer: Kristina Branden Whitaker
Director: Gary Whitaker
Reviewer: John Roberts
The Public Reviews Rating: 
It is not often as a reviewer you get to experience theatre that is so raw and full of emotion that you cannot help but be moved by the story the unfolds in front of you. Expectations not only has the power to move you but also to make you seriously sit back, think and ask questions about life and the choices we make.
In two countries two couples are going through a very similar problem, both are expecting their first child and both have found out that their children are severely handicapped – one couple chooses to keep theirs whilst the other abort…but let it be known this isn’t a play about pro-choice or abortion, instead it explores the often untouched area of what actually happens to the couples who face this decision. Branden Whitaker has crafted a beautiful play based on the story of her own daughter, it is actually hard to believe that this is her debut play, the structure of the piece is watertight and the characters so believable that it is hard not to laugh and cry with them.
The acting throughout is stunning, it is great to see Steve Marsh (Big Cook Little Cook fame) tackling some heavy weight drama and he does with so much gravitas and power that he is not doing himself any justice doing Children’s TV, Sally Walsh as his wife Theresa brings a real sense of pathos and anguish to her turn as the struggling mother who starts to feel the whole world and her husband are against her. Branden Whitaker also takes the role of Klara who gives a brilliant turn as someone who finds comfort in living a lie, her husband played with real panache by Mattias Ahlen is also gripping from start to finish.
Director Whitaker has done himself proud with this stunning production, it lies on just the right side of sentimental and is evenly balanced with moments of lightness- this is a heartbreaking, life affirming, first class of theatre and highly deserves each and every star given!
Runs until 22nd August
Tags: Expectations, Gary Whitaker, Gothenburg English Speaking Theatre, Jack Dome, Kristina Branden Whitaker, Mattias Ahlen, Sally Walsh, Steve Marsh, The Pleasance Dome
7:11 pm on August 17th, 2010
My attention was drawn to this play by friends-even so I did not fancy going after reading the subject matter and could not see how it could be entertaining.
I am glad I was persuaded to go -I did not find it as heavy going as expected and thought it was absolutely brilliant both for writing and acting. (Rating 5 ). An example that at the Fringe one should not have too many preconceived ideas about what may be good. When I have seen shows that I had not scheduled on my intended program I have rarely been disappointed.