☆★★★★ The Exceptional Case of Whizz and Drex
The
dictionary definition of exceptional is ‘unusually good’. And without a doubt,
Fred Kelly’s new play, The Exceptional Case of Whizz and Drex, amply satisfies
this meaning. This is an original, challenging and smart piece of writing - both
brimming with pace and dynamism, yet full of subtle nuance and detail.
The play
tells the story of, not surprisingly, ‘Whizz and Drex who run a parcel storage
facility like no other. Pay what you want, but the more you pay, the more
likely you are to get the parcel back in one piece. Their enterprise is stalled
by visits from a stranger, priceless Prussian stacking dolls and an incident
involving mute orphans, a box and a blowtorch.’ Potentially there are lots of
spoilers here but rest assured, even with these plot facets, the denouement is
cleverly constructed.
Kelly not
only writes but also directs the piece with tempo and a filmic velocity -
I understand that he is a filmmaker too! He also benefits from exceptional performances
from two young actors, Guy Samuels and Louis Strong as Whizz and Drex
respectively.
Samuels is
worryingly intimidating as Whizz – a controlling bully, who verges on out-and-out
cruelty in his dealing with Drex. Cleverly observed by Strong, whose performance
contains infinite features, all cleverly betraying degrees of obsession,
verging on mania? The strength of their performances ultimately depends on the
clever interaction between the two actors and it is engrossing to watch.
Cleverly
intercut into the narrative are Nadi (Ellen Paterson) and Chief (Kathryn O’Reilly),
both characters that Kelly drip feeds into the plotline without real explanation,
their true relevance only becoming apparent at the resolution of the story. Paterson’s
role as provocateur and O’Reilly as interrogator are cleverly never fully
explained. But both actors inject ambiguity into bright thought-provoking performances.
This is an
ensemble that is compulsive to watch as they dextrously explore some worryingly
abusive and perverse set-ups. Yet it is nevertheless wonderfully captivating
for the audience to share and ultimately discover.
Exceptional Case of Whizz and Drex plays at The Old Red Lion Theatre, Angel, London EC1
until Saturday 7 December only at 3.45 and 8.45 pm
Exceptional Case of Whizz and Drex plays at The Old Red Lion Theatre, Angel, London EC1
until Saturday 7 December only at 3.45 and 8.45 pm
The Whizz
and Drex Company are raising money for BulliesOut and would be grateful for any
donations. For further information and
to donate contact https://bulliesout.com/
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