The Dreadful Hours – On Tour

Devised By: Tmesis Theatre and Chris Fittock

Writer: Chris Fittock

Director: Javier Marzan

Reviewer: David Leith

The Public Reviews Rating:

Relationships are a complicated thing; we are all aware of this. Boy meets girl, boy and girl go on a date; boy and girl suddenly sit back five year later to find themselves married and desperately pondering where their time has gone.

This is the premise of Liverpool based theatre company, Tmesis Theatre’s new show; The Dreadful Hours, directed by Javier Marzan. This predominantly physical theatre company’s endeavour to introduce dialogue along with physical interpretation does not disappoint.

Performers Elinor Randle and Yorgos Karamalegos, playing the doubtful man and wife, take us on a compelling journey as voyeurs into the dreads and highlights of relationships. Despite the main characters not being able to, The Dreadful Hours abstract combination of styles results in a very successful marriage. Taking the audience from the naturalistic to the surreal in what appears like an effortless and seamless motion. Randle and Karamalegos, whose expertise in high standards of beautifully executed physical theatre can be seen in the numerous sequences throughout the show, which make reference to the couple’s complex relationship, whilst their scenes of dialogue deliver moments of naturalistic poignancy facilitating Chris Fittock’s multi-textual script.

Fittock’s script is equally as malleable presenting an understated yet rich dialogue. With some subtle wordplay, at times the text is deeply tense and uncomfortable yet switches effortlessly into the comedic. The pace at times was questionable and although there were a number of times where dramatic silences were executed effectively there were also moments that would have welcomed a speedier delivery.

The simple set; a clinical white dining room table, two chairs and a number of hung mirrors becomes the forum for the shows characters to develop. The various creative and inventive uses of a simple dining table and chairs along with some original sound and lighting design only heighten the strong visual consistency presented in the powerful performances.

With the introduction of dialogue, Tmesis Theatre have undertaken a new chapter in their development and, after having a taste of their unique and innovative style in The Dreadful Hours I am excited to see what comes next for this evolving theatre company. With some slick direction from Javier Marzan, a modern script, placing intelligent dialogue in conjunction with Randle and Karamalegos’ engaging physical interpretation, the piece overall is gripping, fun and thought provoking viewing. From the laugh out loud to emotive contemplation The Dreadful Hours is original and utterly engaging; physical theatre at its very best.