Twisted - Oval House Theatre

Billed as ‘an uncompromising critique of male sexuality, lies and deceit’, [tag]David Dandridge[/tag]’s [tag]Twisted[/tag], presents a grim and at times uncomfortable perspective of the ‘gay scene’ in Manchester. The play is inspired by the death of Stuart Lubbock (who was found floating in the pool of Michael Barrymore) and the media frenzy that followed. Twisted is set over a long weekend, at a house party where copious amounts of drugs and sex is available to all, but not without dire consequences for those concerned.

The house belongs to Paul (Laurence Mitchell) a middle class teacher who arrives home to find the party in full swing. He encounters Jase (Paul Stocker) a working class lad who seems unsure of his sexuality. Jase is at the party with his childhood friend, but you are not really sure why he is there, especially as he continually spurns the advances made towards him by Greg (Simon Cole), a well known, but closeted actor, up from London for a bit of fun.

The arrival of Lee (Matt Firth) and finally Tony (Andrew Grose), Paul’s boyfriend sparks the beginning of a series of conflicts between the players and completes the crew around whom the events of the weekend center.

What follows is a fast paced, engaging story of deceit, desire and betrayal. Fuelled by a diet of beer, cocaine, ecstasy and K, inhibitions are eroded, partners are discarded and new ones solicited. You may find yourself building allegiances with a character one minute only to discard them the next. As the first act builds, Dandridge propels you towards a situation, that whilst terrible, is inevitable.

The entire cast of this launch production for Iron Hoof, gave a stellar performance, with stand out credits to Matt Firth, who plays working class Lee. Also worthy of mention is Simon Cole, who portrayed the ’smarmy’ and closeted actor Greg. I thought the rhythm of the dialogue in this piece helped to convey the ebb and flow of the relationships in this play. Slowing down as characters interacted with each other on a level deep below the surface of the ’scene’, speeding up as they returned to the shallows.

Twisted is well written, with convincing performances by the five cast members who command your attention. It is a strong, and uncompromising play. A morality tale if you will, but it is unlikely that you will leave the theatre feeling in any way superior to the characters you have just seen.

Twisted by David Dandridge