theatre review

Sheepskin

Organic Theatre

Funny, sad, disturbing, strange, delightful; this was a fascinating hour of physical theatre about a young farmer's mental breakdown during the last days of a foot and mouth crisis. The 'living room' stage set was surreal – white furniture was cast in black darkness and each 'scene' was lit by concentrated artificial light, all enhancing the dramatic effect. John Dean's performance was brilliant; as he recounted memories, fears, neuroses, obsessions and fantasies he switched between the different voices and characters in his head with ease, inventively incorporating puppetry and masks into the monologue. In slight odd movements it felt as if he had really captured something essential about his character, in a way no words could have done. Short but shearing sharp; Sheepskin was captivating.

The Nightingale Theatre, 26 May, 7:00pm & 11:00pm, £10.00 (£8.00), fpp fringe pp34

tw rating: 5/5

published: May-2006

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