theatre review
Hadley's Experiment
Livestock
In this intimate and distressing account of the effects of mental illness, sufferer Warren, accompanied by video, live sound effects and offstage contributions, recounts the schizophrenic episode that follows his nervous breakdown. As Warren's real mission becomes clear, a strong emotional dimension overshadows the complex conspiracy stuff, drawing attention to the very real and human context. Chris Johnston convincingly inhabits a world of delusional paranoia, exuberance, confusion and vulnerability all vying for control of a measured performance. The mixed media aspects can be distracting, but they are tightly organised and create a sense of disorientation that ultimately lends itself to the subject matter. Despite the audience comprising only half the number of the four strong cast, it's a generous and enjoyable performance, offering some genuinely rare insights.
Old Ship Hotel, 4 - 11 May, 7:45pm (9:05pm), £12.00 (£8.00), fpp 41
tw rating: 3/5
published: Aug-2008
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