4.39°C This was the perfect production to officially reopen the fully refurbished Mercury Studio – an intense 90-minute drama tackling urgent contemporary themes. Sandi Toksvig’s powerful play explores the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the lack of support for returning soldiers, focusing on the developing relationship between young private Eddie and military police officer Oscar, who is investigating him.
The investigation centres on an incident overseas – the exact location is never specified – in which a local woman was shot and her eight-year-old son, Omar, was thrown down a well to his death. Eddie may have been responsible, but the circumstances remain unclear.
This is a taut, gripping production, brilliantly designed by James Cotterill and enhanced by haunting lighting and sound. The two performances are exceptional – engaging, thought-provoking and emotionally layered.
As Oscar, a wheelchair user since the Falklands conflict, Andrew French brings authority and subtle physicality to the role, gradually revealing the character’s growing respect and fondness for Eddie. He understands that there are too many broken boys struggling to re-enter civilian life.
Josh Collins is outstanding as Eddie. His performance exposes rage, violence, pride, shame and denial in turn, constantly shifting our perspective. We are never certain of the truth – did he do it or not? Above all, Collins reminds us that Eddie is only 20 years old, far too young to have witnessed – and possibly committed – such horrors.
The actors handle the emotional transitions with great skill, portraying two damaged soldiers haunted by the past and by the ghost of Omar. The script offers no easy solutions, but gradually leads both men towards a fragile understanding of one another.
Under the direction of Dan Sherer, no nuance of the script is overlooked. The power often lies in the non-verbal moments: Oscar rising from his wheelchair to claim his reward of a glass of wine as a mournful cello plays; Eddie’s restless, watchful eyes, braced for the worst.
With just two characters, Toksvig’s script encapsulates the violence, fear and comradeship of military life with striking clarity.
An outstanding production not to be missed – and, hopefully, a sign of more challenging work to come in the Studio. After a strong year at the Mercury, this stands at the top of the list.
★★★★★
Running until 21 November 2015.
Box Office: 01206 573948
www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
