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Red Snapper
B2 Stage, Belgrade Theatre Coventry
***** THE UK premiere of Liz
Mytton’s Red Snapper at the Belgrade Coventry is remarkable, sporting a
strong all female cast of black actresses, including BAFTA and Golden
Globe nominated Cathy Tyson, an actress with more than three decades of
experience in the industry. The staging on the simple but striking set worked
wonderfully, and the cleverly choreographed transitions throughout
allowed the cast to transform not only the set, but also themselves. Although there are only five performers, the play
has 10 characters. With momentary ease and in full view of the audience,
the women switched from five wives and girlfriends, into their
respective husbands and partners, achieved with just the simple addition
of a suit jacket and, sometimes, a hat. Their portrayal of both male and
female was a delight and the mannerisms, gestures and demeanour were
spot on and totally believable. The audience were never in any doubt as
to which role each actress was in.
Gloria is the wife of rich hotelier Lincoln (Karlina
Grace-Paseda). She likes the best things in life, including an expensive
antique watch, he is a manipulative and devious loan shark with
wandering hands. Pearline (Cathy Tyson) is the humble fisherman’s
wife who strives to make a better future for all. She is instrumental in
encouraging the others in her quest for freedom, equality, and parity.
Tyson also plays the role of Lammie, a bachelor, local bar owner and
singer with dreams of moving to Hawaii. Dawn Hope plays abusive husband Roy and his wife
Sissie. We are taken through a full range of emotions as Sissie seeks
comfort in her good friend, pure cane rum and confides in bar owner
Lammie. Miss Mytle is the harridan wife who, with her
sharp manner and barbed tongue, suppresses and controls all around her.
Her husband Manny, the council Mayor, has a passion for the singer Nina
Simone but also reveals a darker side in a very dramatic scene which
drew gasps from the audience. Both roles are played superbly by Debra
Michaels. Danette is betrothed to the Mayor’s son and local
pastor George (Gabrielle Brooks). Their wedding day is frequently
postponed and is always six months away. Both are shy, quiet characters,
keen to live good and godly lives but they are hiding a secret. The storyline revolves around the simmering
unease and political tensions of the local fisherman as a visit from
Fidel Castro is expected. The social history of Jamaica and the personal
and political struggles of individuals are played out splendidly. It is
an outstanding drama, beautifully written by Liz Mytton, with humour and
pathos. Only the few technical hiccoughs prevented us giving it 5 stars
but we are sure those will be resolved in future performances. Highly recommended. To 19-03-16 Rosemary Manjunath /Elizabeth Smith 09-03-16
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