Tucked in the nautical reaches of Old Portsmouth lies the distinguished building of The Square Tower. An Intimate and welcoming location, this week to be home to the David Lindsay-Abaire play Rabbit Hole performed by local group CCADS. Rabbit Hole tackles the way family members survive the major loss of 4-year-old Danny, showing the turmoil and different types of grievance one may experience. In terms of importance, the play peruses a naturalistic and organic route of portrayal, giving a stark sense of reality throughout. This is sure to reflect on the audience reaction as the play itself progresses through its chronological timeline. Themes of love and strength are also evident as relationships strain, break and join once more. In full, it explores the aftermath of one of the most difficult events of life.
In terms of experience, this interpretation of the play is as immersive as can be. Walking into the space you find the most detailed layout of a home with separate rooms, yet somehow effortlessly sewn together creating a slick but realistic setting of a New York Apartment. Long rows of chairs adorn the space also, with the wings either side showing that the fourth wall does not exist. This carefully constructed layout instantly created an ambience of vibrancy and familiarity. Maybe this was to juxtapose the rather solemn subject, making a shrewd move to work the audiences’ brains. The extensiveness of the set was mirrored by the detail of the props. In very Stanislavskian form, the various areas had every utensil, toy and box of tissues to further push the realism of the plot. An extremely impressive array of props also were expertly and subtly changed, removed and placed throughout the cleverly placed blackouts. This was done with the upmost precision and timing. Bright warm floods filled with great effect, giving a room with great height a roof of light. This contained the room and focused the action to the ensuing scenes. A simple yet beautifully set and placed rig tied in wonderfully with the rustic brick décor. This was seamlessly engrained in crevasses and placed in corners as not to distract. Visually, not made to be a grand spectacle, it pushed the narrative with consummate ease.
The purposeful visuals paired splendidly with the distinguished level of acting on display. By far a level which completely diminishes the word amateur in Amateur Dramatics. The highly developed characters were likable, personable and relatable. Not only this but due to the space you even at points felt that you were inclusive of the scene. Passing just inches from the audience, the cast wove wonderful tracks whilst effectively being breathing distance from the spectators. Danny’s Mother Becca played by the incredibly talented Kerry McCrohon showed a fantastically astute subtlety to her character, a delicacy which let loose at points in frightening fashion. Howie, Danny’s Father, interpreted by John-Paul McCrohon spearheaded the emotional rollercoaster with a presence and intensity that really played on the heartstrings and the mind. Married in real life, the couple gave their all to each other throughout which by the bows became evident in their exhausted looking emotion. This resonated with the room completely. Contrasting slightly to the passion of a couple, Becca’s younger sister Izzy (Becky Garnett), and Mum/Mom (Brenda Kent) bring relief moments, often offering support, anecdotes or the odd friendly smile. Played with flawless physicality and an extensive range of feeling, both ladies used their apparent experience proficiently making sure no stone was unturned with the scripted opportunities their characters had in abundance. Completing the quintet, catalyst of the disastrous events Jason (Sean Ridley) gave a turn with great gravitas, again, giving a knowledgeable show with refined emotive actions and words.
Once again, the multi-award winning local company CCADS have unearthed a future winner in this heart-breaking, heart wrenching yet heart warming interpretation of the Pulitzer-prize winning play. An intelligent and sharply produced piece that credit will surely be paid in abundance to the Director, John-Paul McCrohon, for. For a piece that is rarely performed in this area, it is not only important to see the play for its themes and narrative, but additionally for the highest level of professional acting you will see locally for a few years to come.
From Tuesday 27th February till Saturday 3rd March 2018
7:30pm
@ The Square Tower, Old Portsmouth
www.ccads-theatre.co.uk
See the Dress Rehearsal Photo Gallery HERE
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