The International Writers Magazine:UK Theatre

---

GET CARTER by Ted Lewis Adapted and Directed by Jonathan Holloway RED SHIFT THEATRE COMPANY • CHRISTINE CHURCHER Set in a Northern Steel town, "Get Carter" is a gritty, brutal, fast moving, violent, drama, which takes you on a roller coaster ride through the dark side of life in the underworld of the 1970’s. It is a tale of investigation and retribution following the death of Jack Carter’s brother, Frank, and as Jack uncovers a network of corruption, sexual abuse and bribery, in the small-time gangland culture, it becomes obvious that he is living his life on borrowed time. Will he achieve the revenge he is seeking in time?

The violence in the play is portrayed stylistically, using sound and slow motion to depict the aggressive scenes, with the stage gradually becoming a blood bath. The violence is acted out almost in a matter of fact way, as if it is an integral part of life, and is all the more shocking in the normality of it. The soundtrack, a selection of musical clips from the 1960s, is relevant to the dialogue, and is used in such a way to make it more powerful.

The set is imaginative, using a box-like structure with a row of lockers, which changes into wardrobes, entrances and urinals. The stage is gradated to give the impression of space. The scenes are changed from kitchen, to bar, to bedroom, and back to locker room, by the cast, using two benches and excellent lighting. At times it is easy to forget the background set actually remains the same, as you become caught up in the fast-moving action of the play.

Jack Lord confidently plays Jack Carter, a moody, determined, relentless "bad boy" and is complemented by Tim Weekes, who plays Jack’s dead brother, Frank. Weekes plays four other characters with strength and surety including Eddie, Thorpe, Maurice and The Postmaster. The remaining four cast play 16 characters between them, switching roles energetically, in a fast-moving, dynamic pace. Kieron Jecchinis is confident as Kinnear, Brumby, Albert, Con and Les Fletcher. Daniel Copeland has a broad range of alternated accents and characters to handle, which he does with confidence and conviction.
Especially notable are Sally Orrock and Angela Ward, who play the six female roles between them. Sally plays across a range of ages and characters, works well with Jack as Edna Garfoot, and her portrayal as the Old Madam is excellent. Angela plays a very strong and feisty Doreen Carter, an impudent and cheeky Glenda, and Audrey Fletcher.

This is a strong ensemble, of multi-talented actors, who complement each other to present an exciting, well-timed play, which is action packed and powerful on all levels. It is an exceptionally fine piece of contemporary theatre, which has been translated from the original film track by Jonathan Holloway.
Recently performed in The Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham and at The New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, Redshift are touring Get Carter from October, 2005 until March 2006.
For more information on dates contact the company at www.redshifttheatreco.co.uk

© Chris Churcher Dec 14th 2005
First Day at School
Chris Churcher

More Reviews

Home

© Hackwriters 1999-2005 all rights reserved - all comments are the writers' own responsibiltiy - no liability accepted by hackwriters.com or affiliates.