PROGRESS Theatre has finished its run of autumn shows ahead of its winter program with Liar’s Teeth.
The production takes place in a non-descript cell in a near-future setting as a lonely prisoner is joined by a fellow inmate.
Liar’s Teeth was written by Emily Goode, who also contributed to Progress’ Write fest earlier in November, and directed by Rik Eke.
Pies, played by Anita Sandhu, is alone, having been imprisoned for lying in a society which has criminalised misinformation.
She is swiftly joined by a character she calls Jack, played by Sam Bessant, who she learns is a storyteller, the most egregious offence against the truth.
The production explores the nature of storytelling in a world attempting to tackle misinformation with a militant response to fiction.
The characters of Pies and Jack are initially uncomfortable cell mates, which Pies’ effusive effervescence performed with due glee by Sandhu.
Pie’s grating effect on Jack is portrayed well in Bessant’s snippy, dismissive demeanour, especially as it inevitably begins to soften during the course of the production.
The characters form a classic foil to one another as they explore each other’s pasts and relationships with the truth, punctuated with tender moments of light-hearted comedy.
As the story builds to its conclusion, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine what is real and what is fiction, with both actors carrying the production with due conviction.
As ever, Progress Theatre has excelled with frugal, prudent use of selected set elements which portray the setting excellently.
The bare set used stark, white benches surrounded by tall beams to invoke a cell, with a single riveted metal door at the back, through which food and blankets are pushed during the play.
The use of selective lighting and sound was particularly effective in recreating a future world as experienced from inside the prison.
Overall the production was a thoughtful, comedic consideration of the role of fiction in a society which struggles with misinformation.
The lighter moments were joyful without undermining the more serious premise of the piece, especially as it leaves you asking important questions about what is real towards the conclusion.
Progress Theatre is showing its youth production of Pedro Calderon de la Barca’s Life is a Dream from Wednesday-Saturday, December 7-10.
More information about upcoming productions and tickets can be found via: www.progresstheatre.co.uk.
