Tom Ratcliffe’s seminal play Circa is a very modern study on gay life brought successfully to the Old Red Lion stage and with outstanding performances from a five strong cast. Thomas Flynn in particular has taken Andy Twyman’s skilful direction to heart and through a very controlled performance puts over the core themes of the play. Lust and the need for gratification, power games, sexual frustration, the quest for fulfilment, self protection and self loathing – and that desire is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
The very clever use of cross light fading and the slight suspension of the acting in each scene made for exceptional theatre with each vignette having a clear start, middle and end powered by Ratcliffe’s superbly constructed, acute perception of gay relationships.
As the audience, the subsequent involvement we get to have with the characters is very satisfactory. The comedy moments come in all the right places and are beautifully played out by this ensemble cast and go to prove that sex can be extremely therapeutic. An accomplished piece of theatre with a wow factor. Passionate and powerful entertainment.
****
Circa runs to Saturday 30th March at the Old Red Lion Theatre, 418 St John Street, London EC1V 4NJ. Box office: 0333 012 4963 oldredliontheatre.co.uk
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