Mother and The Monster
★★★☆☆ Refreshing
Assembly Roxy: Thurs 30 Nov- Sat 2 Dec 2017
Review by Sarah Moyes
The power of our darkest secrets is explored in Mother and The Monster, a refreshing debut by Edinburgh theatre group, Paradigm Lab.
This new play by Rory Kelly, directed by Vlada Nebo, explores the life of those who mainly remain firming behind the camera, giving an interesting take on those professions that we rarely shine a spotlight on.
Angus Gavan McHarg and Amelia Watson. Pic Andrew Perry
It’s in the downstairs room of Assembly Roxy that we meet legendary prop maker, Charlotte, who has turned into a recluse since missing out on an Oscar many years before.
As the play begins, Charlotte is living alone with her cleaner and biggest fan, Julia, for company. However, we soon find out that’s not the only presence in Charlotte’s house as she also has a monster of her own creation living in her cupboard.
It’s not until she finally breaks her silence and tells a wannabe journalist her biggest secret, that the Monster finally leaves her alone for good.
Amelia Watson gives an excellent performance in the lead role of Charlotte, a part which sees her on stage throughout the entire show. She’s has the power to make the audience laugh out loud, but really shines in the second act during her emotional confession that someone else claimed credit for famous horror movie monster that has haunted her life ever since.
animated performance
Angus Gavan McHarg makes the best use of the stage during his animated performance as the Monster in Molly Lambourne’s bright and colourful (but hardly scary) costume. During the first half of the show it can be a little confusing to figure out who this Monster is, but as the story develops in the second half it all becomes much clearer.
The cast is completed by Julia Weingaertner, who plays the loveable and shy Polly, and Sarika Mathur, who is pretending to be a journalist. Both actors give strong performances filled with humour as they support Charlotte throughout the show.
Monster and the Mother is a funny and poignant piece of theatre by an exciting and talented new theatre company that it’s definitely worth keeping your eye on.
Running time – 1 hour (plus 10 min interview)
Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place, EH8 9SU
Thursday 30 November – Saturday 2 December 2017
Evenings: 7.30pm.
Tickets and details: www.assemblyroxy.com
Paradigm Lab on Facebook: @paradigmlabtheatre.
Amelia Watson, Sarika Mathur and Angus Gavan McHarg. Pic Andrew Perry
ENDS
