By: Ham Theatre
Writer: Linsay Oliver
Director: Linsay Oliver
Reviewer: Lela Tredwell
A dark piece of theatre which preaches the dangers of speeding.
Writing a show with a heavy moral message based on preaching and shame is probably always
going to be a challenging task. Largely, the show is preoccupied with a collection of stereotyped characters in a speed awareness group, but every now and again we are transported to the evangelical sermon of a sequin-sporting preacher, wearing a large Mercedes Benz logo pendant,and preaching the Highway Code.
In the group scenes the majority of the time is spent with characters bickering. They seem to be stuck in an endless loop of hate. During this performance, the actors work hard to bring shallow characters to life but what we actually learn about the personalities is largely shaped by their stereotype and does not dive into what made them this challenging socially.
Why do these conversations matter? There are no bonds formed here and no understanding
found. At one point, an abuse is mentioned and not explained or explored. Instead the constant bickering continues, leading to a confusing climax. At this point, one performer breaks the forth wall for the first and only time to talk to an unseen director. She asks for her character’s motivation. Indeed it is something we might all benefit to know but no reply is given.
The best part of this piece of theatre is when a mother and daughter are seen driving in a car,
made by other members of the cast. The aesthetic of the car complete with perfectly timed
windscreen wipers is satisfying to watch. The characters have a depth not seen in the rest of the
bulk of the show. The relationship feels something we can lean into, as opposed to the shallow
relationships of strangers in the speed awareness group.
This piece ends with a shocking testimony that overshadows everything that comes before and
much of what happens after as the audience leaves in shocked silence. The standalone
monologue is well-delivered and in many ways does make this piece about something deeper.
The stark contrast between the rest of the show and this final moment may be a sobering choice but largely eclipses everything we have seen up until this point.
Reviewed on 14th May
1 Comment
I really don’t think this reviewer was watching the same play as I did. Not only was this incredibly funny, it was full of metaphor and a deeper appeal to the audience to think about their own driving habits. And the monologue that bought the whole audience down to earth was unexpected and will stay with me for ages.