A review of our NT Connections performance of Three by Toni Stephenson
There are few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than a good Rom Com; Love Actually, Bridget Jones, and anything starring Colin Firth or Hugh Grant. Watching the Connections cast perform Three was essentially a live version of my favourite weekend pass time (made even better by the simple fact that it was Yew Tree).
The humbling story of six teenagers becoming three couples was made engaging and comical by the presence of their "inner voices" played by different actors. This made for interesting viewing, watching a pair of actors play the same character in slightly different ways; one more revealing than their counterpart, as none of the other characters could hear what they said. An example of this was Emily and Eve playing Lena, where Eve, portraying Lena's inner thoughts, was more harsh to her love interest Jamie for being unpopular, whereas Emily's version only expressed Lena's reluctance through her actions, which revealed to the audience something about Lena's insecurity, rather than seeming rude, which is what might be assumed by the audience without having heard her thoughts. Similarly, Jacob and John's partnership comically personified the conflicts that people often have in their minds during an awkward situation; in this case a failing blind date.
The narrator played by Dec was a treat and the small interactions with the audience throughout the play were part of what made the stories so accessible and relatable.
Something also commendable was each actors ability to look through the inner voices as though they were not there but only in their heads. I imagine it would be difficult as an actor having a conversation with someone who is not supposed to be a physical being, since a lot is based on action and reaction. However, cast did this brilliantly.
One final thing which deserves a shout out is the set which created a much needed hint of summer in February (a small reference for the Dan Stevens fans out there). They were neat, simple and efficient. It really felt as though a small garden had been created with the green rugs and miniature fence. Similarly, a canal side bench was transformed into a hotel room with a single throw and some cushions. All was smoothly arranged by the cast ensemble in a way that gave the play the personalised Yew Tree stamp.
All that is left to say is that the hard work of everyone involved payed off. Each of the three storylines were performed in a way that gripped the audience. The cast made us laugh with the characters, cringe with them and root for them all to find a happy ending with one another... Thank goodness Katie X was a diva and late on stage at the concert!
There are few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than a good Rom Com; Love Actually, Bridget Jones, and anything starring Colin Firth or Hugh Grant. Watching the Connections cast perform Three was essentially a live version of my favourite weekend pass time (made even better by the simple fact that it was Yew Tree).
The humbling story of six teenagers becoming three couples was made engaging and comical by the presence of their "inner voices" played by different actors. This made for interesting viewing, watching a pair of actors play the same character in slightly different ways; one more revealing than their counterpart, as none of the other characters could hear what they said. An example of this was Emily and Eve playing Lena, where Eve, portraying Lena's inner thoughts, was more harsh to her love interest Jamie for being unpopular, whereas Emily's version only expressed Lena's reluctance through her actions, which revealed to the audience something about Lena's insecurity, rather than seeming rude, which is what might be assumed by the audience without having heard her thoughts. Similarly, Jacob and John's partnership comically personified the conflicts that people often have in their minds during an awkward situation; in this case a failing blind date.
The narrator played by Dec was a treat and the small interactions with the audience throughout the play were part of what made the stories so accessible and relatable.
Something also commendable was each actors ability to look through the inner voices as though they were not there but only in their heads. I imagine it would be difficult as an actor having a conversation with someone who is not supposed to be a physical being, since a lot is based on action and reaction. However, cast did this brilliantly.
One final thing which deserves a shout out is the set which created a much needed hint of summer in February (a small reference for the Dan Stevens fans out there). They were neat, simple and efficient. It really felt as though a small garden had been created with the green rugs and miniature fence. Similarly, a canal side bench was transformed into a hotel room with a single throw and some cushions. All was smoothly arranged by the cast ensemble in a way that gave the play the personalised Yew Tree stamp.
All that is left to say is that the hard work of everyone involved payed off. Each of the three storylines were performed in a way that gripped the audience. The cast made us laugh with the characters, cringe with them and root for them all to find a happy ending with one another... Thank goodness Katie X was a diva and late on stage at the concert!
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