Writers and Performers: Harry Peacock and Dan Skinner
Director: David Babani
Brian & Roger is a comedic double-header about a very unlikely friendship between two recently divorced men who meet in a support group. Brian was ordered to attend the group because of a court order from his divorce proceedings, and Roger because he’s truly suffering from the breakup of his marriage and family.
As might be construed from this set up, these are two very different men, with very different personalities. Brian is a brash, self-serving, wide-boy, while Roger is a wet-behind-the-ears, love-lost, family guy. Their friendship is far from expected and is, at best, self-serving. Roger, seemingly focussed on his family for the past 16 years, has no true friends, so as his family unit separates from him, he’s left alone and reaches out to find support and friendship from anyone who’ll listen.
Brian for his part sees someone who he can use for his own ends and help him in whatever scheme he has on his mind at the time. And it is this mismatched friendship that is played out in a farcical comedy of errors that has the characters doing everything from stealing computers to bestiality via illegal gambling and amputations.
The story is ludicrous and, curiously, is presented through a series of voicemails they leave each other – with them never actually speaking directly to each other in person or over the phone. This narrative device gives an interesting perspective with resolution to each situation shown from two different perspectives. However, it somehow fails to really become a rounded story, and instead offers a series of loosely linked stories.
Despite being subtitled ‘A highly offensive play’, the comedy plays for shock value rather than offence. The C-word is used fairly liberally, there’s conversations around sexual fetishes, excessive drug taxing, animal sex and more, but it seems forced. The overarching story seems to have been created to crowbar in these shock-value pieces. There are some very poignant moments in the play, especially as the impact of Roger’s divorce is unveiled but these moments aren’t really given enough time to resonate effectively and are instead played for the laugh.
The play is based on the critically acclaimed podcast by Dan Skinner and Harry Peacock. In this theatrical evolution Skinner continues his podcast role in playing Roger, while screen and stage actor, Simon Lipkin is cast as Brian. Both are very engaging to watch but their characters never really develop enough for the audience to care for or engage with them. Brian’s self-serving attitude comes across as nasty, controlling, and emotional bullying. Roger’s doe-eyed innocence comes off as feeble-minded weakness.
The direction is smart and naturalistic but it’s Robert Jones’ set that really brings everything to life. Using video projection, the small stage area transforms from a community hall to a hospital, a lounge, a Chinese brothel and more.
Brian & Roger is an odd play. It’s amusing and has its laugh out loud moments. The story is fundamentally poppycock but provides an entertaining narrative. However, the biggest problem with the show is that there’s nothing at all likeable about the characters. One is too nasty, the other too wet. And, at the end, both deserve their fate.
Runs until 18 December 2022
The Reviews Hub Score
Amusing but flawed
