Birmingham Mail Review...
Rollercoast ride
MONKEYS IN TOYTOWN
Crescent Theatre Studio
FOR a low-budget production, this Cindy Millerchip directed show was gripping, exciting and had the audience on an emotional rollercoaster throughout.
From the start, Nips (Dave Berrisford) beguiled us in his role as 'special boy' to manor gangster King Dean (Marc Ross).
Crucial relationships involving young Ash (John Meredith) were expertly executed as befitted such a brutal underworld jungle.
Feeling threatened that his territory and respect were being undermined, Dean plays off his boys against each other and he is prepared to throw them to the lions without a second thought.
This is a modern day story featuring some of worst aspects of urban Britain and its bleak, ruthless undercurrent of hyper-individualism.
Gay shame haunts Dean's authority, revealing his insecurity and need to control all those around him as a racially motivated turf war springs up around him.
The Crescent's studio setting aids this production's intensity and shock value.
Writer Leon Fleming's astute script gives plenty of food for thought.
Catch this quick before the final performance tomorrow.
Verdict
