Review: Two at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme*

Two is now showing at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in Staffordshire and has been directed by a local Stokie, Ruth Carney, who has spent much of her career as a Theatre and TV director. Although she has directed many TV programs and theatre performances throughout the UK, this is her debut in her home town Theatre at The New Vic. She talks about her experience of directing Two and spending time at New Vic Theatre, as one with such positivity. Explaining how there is a real sense of community within the Theatre, which added to the sense of community that she created in the direction of this performance.

Two has been written by Jim Cartwright, who has won several awards for his plays over the years, including an Olivier – Best Comedy for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice in 1993 – which was adapted into the film Little Vice starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine. He has continuously written plays and films since 1986, most of which of either won awards or become a huge success. So knowing that he wrote ’Two’ almost guarantees that you are coming to watch a show of true quality.

As you may or may not know New Vic is a theatre in the round, and on entering the staged area last night we were met with the sight of an open pub, that served drinks to all the guests! Before the audience took up their seats they were encouraged to go and grab and drink at the bar, from the actor Jimmy Fairhurst, who was playing ‘Man’ in the show. The bar was positioned in the centre and was a traditional circular bar like you would see in many an old British Pub.

This was a clever aspect of the performance – really pulling you into the play, and setting the scene; not only for both the members of the cast, but also for the audience. Throughout the performance, there was a really clever approach to the production, considering only ‘Two’ people played a total of 14 parts.  The audience was made to believe in each of the different characters through subtle changes… I think it makes it the right context as you weren’t convinced in the different roles as it was always obvious that it was the same two people / they kind of transported you through their acting.  The acting combined with the writing of this play is of such a high standard, that you completely believe that landlord/man (played by Jimmy Fairhurst), becomes an old man who then becomes a child. You also believe that the landlady/woman (played by Samantha Robinson) becomes a mistress and then later a battered wife.

This dark comedy had me laughing so loud at points I had to look around and check I wasn’t disturbing anyone! This is when I soon realised the whole audience were in the same fits of laughter as I was. But this joyousness is turned on its head, and also has audience members wiping away the tears.

When you go to see this play, you are being introduced to the untold tales of lives of the people that enter this pub. Some of these tales are ones that you would rather not be privy to, and others feel light-hearted and fun. The stories of these characters show us how appearances can be deceiving, and that those of us that seem fine on the surface, are much more complicated underneath.

This is a compelling play, that has your senses filled from start to finish. You move between each moment with such fluidity, that it’s hard to look away. Every gap is filled with a feeling created by the cast of two actors. How can only two people make a stage feel so full? Well, both Jimmy Fairhurst and Samantha Robinson, completely do. Whether it is their skills as actors, or the fact that they had such chemistry on stage together. If you want to experience this epic roller coaster of emotions, get yourself to The New Vic where this play is on now until 22nd February 2020.

Cast
Jimmy Fairhurst -Man
Samantha Robinson – Woman

Creatives
Ruth Carney Director
Lis Evans Designer
Sally Ferguson Lighting Designer
James Earls-Davis Sound Designer
Richard Roe Movement Director

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £15.50 to £24.50 (concessions available). A transaction fee of £1.00 per ticket applies when booking online. Four friends go for £68. Under 16s go free. Under 26s go free.

How do I book tickets to watch Two?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962. or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show opened on Friday, 31 January 2020 to Saturday, 22 February 2020. Evening shows are at 7.30pm while matinee shows will be at 2.15pm.  Please check the New Vic Theatre’s website for full details on timings.

Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG

About The New Vic Theatre

Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Things to note:

The New Vic welcomes all customers and is committed to providing access to the arts for all, which includes:

• Free parking close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders (reserve a space with the box office)
• Limited parking for customers, a small parking fee for £1.50
• Automatic doors and level access into the foyer, ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor
• Wheelchair spaces on both the ground and first floor
• Disabled toilets on both levels
• An induction loop system (not available for amplified performances and an infrared-assisted hearing system)
• Baby-changing facilities
• Assistance dogs are welcome and water will be provided (if you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, let the box office know when booking)
• Sign language-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, relaxed and schools’ performances are available for The Wind in the Willows

Review by: Lex Ward

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Photo credit: New Vic Theatre / Mark Douet

*Disclaimer: We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.