This was intense.
British playwright Nina Raine’s CONSENT transports us in to the world of a group of middle class friends who are lawyers.
We soon find out the dichotomy between their successful careers as lawyers and their personal lives which are very messy. They cope with life very well on a cerebral level in the work place however they struggle on an emotional level. So good with logic in the courtroom, in matters of the heart, some of their actions in their personal lives are insensitive and defy logic. Their libidos seem to govern their lives, and sexual boundaries become blurred, even within the tight circle of friends.
Craig Baldwin’s production is well focused, and he gets good performances from his cast.
Nic English and Anna Samson give heartfelt performances as Edward and Kitty who have intimacy and trust issues after Edward had an affair five years prior. Kitty feels that she can’t get through Edward’s cold exterior.
Jennifer Rani and and Jeremy Waters also give good performances as Rachel and Jake whose marriage is also rocked by Jake’s extra marital flings which Rachel discovers in a gross way by getting an STD.
Whilst Edward and Jake have not been satisfied with one partner, Sam Sullivan and Anna Skellern impress playing the roles of Tim and Zara who have been single for a long time and crave just one decent partner..
Jessica Bell is fierce and outstanding as Gayle, a young, working class rape victim who is treated shabbily by the court and by Edward and Tim who prosecute her case.
The design team did great work. Special mention for the great work of Lighting Designer Soham Apte’s set and costume design worked well. Ryan McDonald who lit the stage so well and Composer Eliza Scott with her very edgy, atmospheric soundscape.
The Seymour Centre and Outhouse Theatre Co production. Nina Raine’s CONSENT is playing the Reginald Theatre at the Seymour centre until the 25th June 2023.
CAST : Anna Samson, Nic English, Jeremy Waters, Jennifer Rani, Sam O’Sullivan, Anna Skelton, Jessica Bell
CREATIVE TEAM : Director Craig Baldwin, Set and Costume Designer Soham Apte, Lighting Designer Ryan McDonald, Composer and Sound Designer Eliza-Jean Scott, Dialect Coach Linda Nichols-Gidley, Producer – Jeremy Waters.
