Four Dogs And A Bone – Phoenix Artists Club, London

Writer: John Patrick Shanley

Director: Josh Seymour

Reviewer: Joanna Forest

The Public Reviews Rating:

In the programme Rock’n'Roll Theatre announce that it…. ‘strives to create very real, highly imaginative and edge of your seat theatre that not only engages it’s audience but also resonates with them on an emotional level’: I was excited to see whether I would indeed be on the edge of my seat.

The Phoenix Artists Club is perhaps not the best venue to showcase a play: seated in an area to the back of the club that can be sectioned off for events and performances, you are still very aware that you are in a club and the constant noise of clinking glasses, loud voices and the occasional blast of a show tune was an unfair disadvantage that the actors had to battle against. Luckily this is an extremely strong cast made up of four dynamic actors, that completely held your attention and consequently this evening’s performance rocketed along.

Four Dogs and a Bone is a satiric tale of a Hollywood feature film rapidly going over its budget and perhaps doomed to go ‘straight to dvd’. With two rivalling actress, an inexperienced writer and a ruthless producer all stopping at nothing to gain control of the film and the success they crave. The play is funny, but also moving in parts and ultimately very enjoyable, with great direction from Josh Seymour.

The different characters are portrayed excellently. Amy Tez inhabits Brenda perfectly, a young and upcoming actress, determined to shine and stopping at nothing to succeed. We gradually see throughout the play how crazed by ambition this young lady is and Tez definitely finds the comedy in this role. Laura Pradelska’s Collette is strong and sassy but terrified of the looming realisation as she is forced to make the transition from leading lady into character actress. Like Brenda she will go to any measures to try and gain control of the story line of the film and to save her career. This character is utterly believable and we really feel for her as she shows us her vulnerable side as well as her feisty side.

Daniel O’Meara is convincingly dislikable as Bradley, the thoroughly horrible and sleazy producer,as he tries to manipulate everyone into getting his own way. He even is suffering from a grotesque sore on his bum just to make us extra squeamish of him! My favourite performance of the evening was Joe Jameson’s Victor, the talented but novice writer of the film. Totally watchable and full of charisma, this was a lovely characterisation and even though Victor is plagued with self doubt, Jameson’s was a fearless performance.

The set cleverly used the space available, taking us effectively from (Bradley’s )office, to a bar and a movie trailer. Also the music used between the seen changes definitely set the mood. Such a talented cast working so well together deserve to be performing this play in a more suitable venue and I hope they get the chance to so.