Kings Arms Theatre Space at Studio
Salford
Written by Mark Whitely Directed by Ian Curley
Until 23rd March
Two talented actors, a simple
one-location set, a sharp script, and a trim-all-the-fat director add up to
theatre at its most direct and unpretentious best. Mark Whitely’s tale of a
couple of hours in the company of two cack-handed Salfordian burglars offers belly
laughs a plenty, black Pinteresque humour, and a show-stealing budgie; what more
could you ask for?
Callow youth Barry (David Crowley) is
a sandwich short of a picnic, and is drinking in the last chance saloon (he’s
on probation) with a wife and kids at home. Old lag Steph (Matt Lanigan), on
the other hand, has accepted his lot in life and takes everything in his
laid-back stride; until his meticulous planning begins to unravel, and the two
find themselves dealing with a situation that nosedives faster than Manchester
City’s current chances of retaining the Premier League title. A nicely unfussy
set consisted of a central dining table, a full size working fridge, and small
budgie cage, and provided a perfect platform for our hapless protagonists.
Breaking into what they believe to be a flat full of valuable antiques (“cash
in the attic”), with its owner away for two weeks in Majorca, Barry and Steph
assume they have all the time in the world to help themselves, or at least
Steph does as he makes a cup of tea, roots around for biscuits, and even
considers relaxing with a sandwich or three. Lanigan’s Steph has the look of a
man who’s seen it all before (and probably tried to nick most of it); he’s a
career criminal who thinks he has an answer for everything. The actor’s hangdog,
unshaven look and expressive eyes communicate every unspoken thought. He is
superbly matched, and complemented, by Crowley’s performance; all adolescent
energy, panicky mannerisms, and goofy facial tics (imagine Anthony Perkins’
Norman Bates, but without the psychotic tendencies).
Director Ian Curley allows the characters
and situation to breathe, and there are plenty of pregnant pauses that add an
air of gritty realism in to what could have been a broad, run-of-the-mill slice
of working class comedy. There are moments of genuine pathos and poignancy as
the two characters gradually reveal their inner workings and motivations.
Steph’s revelations about his father are beautifully delivered by Lanigan who
manages to steal our hearts even as he remains stubbornly unrepentant about
thieving for a living. Crowley also shines when displaying his genuine love for
his wife and children, and compassion for a terminally disadvantaged
budgerigar. The two actors create a strong relationship, and ‘Thick As Thieves’
could easily act as a pilot for an ongoing series about this hapless pair;
thick they may be, but they will steal your heart with consummate ease.
Tags: Mark Whitely, David Crowley,
Matt Lanigan, Ian Curley, King’s Arms Theatre Space, Studio Salford, Salford,
Manchester
This review previously published at www.thepublicreviews
This review previously published at www.thepublicreviews
