| Enthralling and mesmeric |
At the Sherman |
| Sherman Cymru- Cardboard dad , Sherman Cymru , October 31, 2009 |
Coming out of 'Cardboard Dad' by Alan Harris at the Sherman I could see a man opposite me, mid twenties, fairly robust, trying to conceal a tear in his eye. I had done the same - less successfully.It was refreshing to come out of the theatre feeling engaged and moved. For the two hours that I had spent there I had been allowed into Donna's life. Played by Shelley Rees, Donna is a woman approaching a time in her life when she wants to have a family and be a good wife to her husband David (Simon Nehan). However David is away on duty and she's been waiting for him for twelve years. Donna's aspirations come into question when a Cardboard cut out of David arrives throwing Donna's routines into chaos. And then comes her dilemma. Should she wait forever for what might never be or fulfil her dreams of travelling? The play directed with sensitivity and charm by Juliet Knight is at times trapped in naturalism (perhaps intentionally) but it's appeal comes into play when the audience is asked to believe that the characters are on the moon, that a cardboard baby can be nursed and loved, that a cut out can come to life. The physical sequences are enthralling and mesmeric. Playwright Alan Harris skilfully makes the audience believe that the surreal can be the norm, completely allowing the audience to use their imaginations and have faith in the story that unfolds. With beautifully detailed dialogue and humour throughout Cardboard Dad is a true depiction of relationships and the hopes that any two people can share. Simon Nehan's performance of David was endearing and honest. His physical transformation into the cut out was both hilarious and unnerving. His versatility in portraying other roles is also to be commended. Working with ease with Shelley Rees who brought a lovely playfulness to Donna, I can believe that this couple have spent twelve years hoping and dreaming. I would love to see this production tour nationally, as a producer of new writing the Sherman should be proud of Cardboard dad. It gives us the hope that Theatre produced in Wales doesn't have to be about being Welsh. It can also be about being human. |
Reviewed by: Jane Simpkins |
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