Di(n)e
★★☆☆☆ Lacking life
theSpace on The Mile (Venue 39): Sun 4 – Sat 24 Aug 2024
Review by Hugh Simpson
There is a peculiar absence of drive in Di(n)e by Connor Rock, from Invisible Strings Theatre Co and New Celts at the Space on the Mile.
It is probably about time there was a moratorium on plays set in the afterlife, but at least this one doesn’t start with its characters in a waiting room, or reception area, or airport, for twenty minutes before they find out where they are. No, this is undoubtedly the afterlife (or ‘afterdeath’) and Noah is certainly dead. Probably.
A scene from Di(n)e. Pic: Iain Davie
The problems start with the title. It may stand out in a programme, but a name which it isn’t immediately clear how you even say is an instant disadvantage. At least it reflects the story, which deals with dying. And dining.
Twenty minutes after his death, Noah (Sam Rowlands) is visited by all those whose previous passing caused him so much pain – his partner Claire (Zoë Lerman), his soldier brother Archie (Jordan Gagan) and his father (Gregory Bonnar) – all of whom bring food.
While the setting is clearly American, the other character is a transplanted Scot (Michael Stephens), a takeaway delivery driver.
All of the elements of any good limbo-set drama are present and correct – discombobulation, a slightly eerie atmosphere, philosophical musing on life and death.
flawed
However, it doesn’t really go anywhere. That those characters who have been in the ‘afterdeath’ longest are still not clear what the rules are, is reflective of the fact that the writer doesn’t seem to have worked them out. And then someone (who has only just arrived) gives a long speech about what’s going on that seems to convince everyone else, even though its logic is obviously flawed.
The performances drag it all back to a degree; Rowlands is suitably out of it, Lerman is compellingly emotional, and their relationship is thoroughly believable. Gagan is wryly humorous, Bonnar staid and stolid, and the family unit convinces. Stephens’s outsider has a puppyish charm.
While director Michael Anderton fashions a coherent scenario, the result sometimes wants for energy. Some of the cast tend to mumble almost apologetically, which just adds to the lacklustre air of the whole production.
Running time: 45 minutes (no interval)
theSpace on the Mile (Space 3), 80 High St, EH1 1TH (Venue 39)
Sunday 4 – Saturday 24 August 2024
Even dates only: 3.15pm
Details and tickets: Book here
Facebook: @Invisible Strings TC
Instagram: @invisiblestringstheatreco
X: @InvStrings
ENDS
