The Fading Hum – 24:7 Theatre Festival,Manchester

Writer: Charlotte Essex

Director: Laura Keefe

Reviewer: Malcolm Wallace

The Public Reviews Rating:

The vibrant 24/7 Theatre festival is upon us once more and promises an eclectic selection of one act plays showcasing new writing in Manchester. Opening the festival this year is The Fading Hum, By Charlotte Essex and sensitively directed by Laura Keefe.

The story concerns estranged brothers Ted (Jay Taylor) and Robin (Jack Monaghan) who, during the course of 24 hours are forced to face the demons that have haunted their relationship since, and well before, the death of their parents some years earlier. Appearing to be chalk and cheese, their frustrations turn to violence during a night of booze in the presence of a mysterious visitor Melissa, but in the cold light of the following day they prove that they are not so different after all and the story resolves on a satisfying note of hope.

It’s all very predictable and the story is ever so familiar having been written plenty of times before by different authors using very similar characters.

Taylor and Monaghan work well as the two brothers, with Taylor in particular giving Ted depth and warmth.

Melissa’s introduction is somewhat convoluted thorough a subplot involving bees and, despite some excellent acting on the part of Antonia Kinlay, the character is confusing and adds little to the overall plot line and, in fact, one wonders whether the intensity of the brothers relationship could well be heightened by her removal altogether.

As a playwright Charlotte Essex shows real potential. This short, one act play is nicely written and well acted with a simple, but resonant plot line. However, it is let down by its lack of originality and infuriating use of stock characters.