Closer

Some theatre shows may be a little ambiguous in nature but let me tell you, Patrick Marber’s ‘Closer’ just isn’t one of them. One knows exactly what one is getting with Marber’s play. ‘Closer’ is an intense, confronting look at contemporary relationships, and by the time the play is over, one feels like one has been put through an emotional wringer.

Joshua Brandon’s production for Canned Drama does Marber’s strong piece of writing justice, and the cast generate good focus and intensity. The four characters become inextricably entwined with each other.

Kimberley Howe played Anna, a successful, attractive photographer, (the role played by Julia Roberts in the film version). Her portrayal was incisive, revealing a woman of too sensitive a nature.

Andrew Steel played Dan, an up and coming novelist working as an obituary writer on a London newspaper (Jude Law’s role). His portrayal revealed a cynical, tough, yuppie kind of character into playing games. A defining quote from him is, ‘what’s so great about the truth? Try lying for a change?’ Which Dan indeed does….

Alexis Fishman played ex stripper Alice, who has flown from New York to London to escape a boyfriend back home (Natalie Portman’s role). She has nothing but the clothes on her back and her straight talking. She sets upon making a new world for herself. Fishman’s Alice is creative, complex, sensual.

Chris Gorley played seedy skin specialist Larry (Clive Owen’s role), who became entrapped in the relationship circle by responding to one of Dan’s lurid internet communications.

Canned Laughter/Drama’s next production is in February 2007 and is a change of pace, Ken Ludwig’s ‘Lend me a Tenor’.