REVIEW: BERLIN by Holly Whinney at Etcetera Theatre 23 – 27 August /Camden Fringe

‘Satisfying disclosures in this high energy play’ ★★★ 1/2

Every now and then, front page news covers a suicide of a rock musician such as Kurt Cobain, The Nirvana frontman.  We are often left with questions about what really happened. In BERLIN, the playwright, Holly Whinney has imagined the scenario of a 90s Britpop band picking up the pieces after the suicide of the drummer, James.  As the band gets back together in Berlin, the back story is gradually uncovered in a number of reveals until we get the whole picture. It is a very mature play, cleverly structured with a number of very satisfying disclosures.  Woven within the story is a caustic expose of the lad culture of the period. 

It's a play which focuses on showing grief, toxic masculinity and betrayal but it is always sympathetic to the characters.  We learn something from watching what happens when men don’t talk about their problems.  There seems to be a certain kind of entrapment in being traditionally masculine and this is shown with compassion in the play.

The script presents many challenges for the actors who have to be able to show a gamut of emotions, from guilt to anger, empathy to horror. The acting was at times very successful but at others didn’t quite convince.  On the other hand, Owen Walton as Martin was very natural in his role, giving himself time to fully envelop this nonchalant (and thoughtful) character.  

The other three actors playing the guitarist, the drummer and the singer, had some fine moments but there is more to come.  Admittedly, the script suggests that the band might be middle-aged (the drummer is 44) and these actors are younger, so they could be struggling with situations and scenarios that they may never have experienced themselves. However, given more rehearsal time they would do well to give more consideration to the characters’ back stories, the subtext, the power play and how they respond to what is being said to them. It’s all in the script, which has enormous potency. Given time the director should be able to get more out of this cast especially given that there is comedy in the script but it just didn't always land.

Overall, it’s a show with an excellent script which has high energy and great potential.   

BERLIN by Holly Whinney

Camden Fringe Festival 2022, Etcetera Theatre 23rd – 27th Aug

Box Office  https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/berlin/

Directed by Cerys Baker and Holly Whinney

Tarik Badwan - NICK - (Guitarist.)

Harry Berry - JAMES - (Drummer.)

Owen Walton - MARTIN - (Bassist.)

Aidan Harris - BEN - (Singer.)

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery, Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine