Review: MALPRACTICE at The Bread & Roses Theatre 17 – 21 May 2022
This thriller about a man standing trial for murder gradually fills in the story piece by piece like a jigsaw until we get the full picture. The revenge, the blackmail, and the back story of the accused. It’s promising if not completely credible.
There is plenty of talent here, with Mike Younis in the central role of the accused bringing sensitivity to the character and fleshing out his role. Although he didn’t strike me as a drug-dealer he was believable as the man obsessed with his x-wife.
Younis is not the only actor being given an opportunity to show their skills in performance. Philip Gill as the prosecution, Fiona Munrow as the detective and Richard Bobb-Semple as the first defence lawyer all did well in their roles albeit they are playing a ‘job’ which limits a broader characterisation. Carol Morgan as the judge didn’t quite seem to have the authority required for the role (but perhaps that’s more due to expectations of how a judge behaves from watching court room dramas on television and film). The show seemed to be aimed more at television or film rather than theatre, especially given the repetitive soundtrack. A soundscape from a technician would help to give more theatricality.
Finally, a mention of Clayton Black who is writer and director. He aIso stars in the show as the defence lawyer out for revenge. I just didn’t find him believable in the role not least because the character’s actions seem totally implausible. The show really needs an outside eye, through workshopping, dramaturgy and/or another director but it's a cleverly constructed drama which slowly reveals its plot over the entire showing time giving a series of twists.
MALPRACTICE
Produced by Daybreak Theatre Company
At The Bread & Roses Theatre
17 – 21 May 2022
Box Office: https://www.breadandrosestheatre.co.uk/whats-on.html
Cast
Clayton Black
Fiona Munro
Michael Younis
Richard Bobb-Semple
Carol Morgan
Philip Gill
Kia Kielty – production
Reviewer:
Heather Jeffery is Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine
We are very proud to announce that LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE is now an OFFIE AWARD WINNING publication
A ONEOFF Special Award (February 2024) has been awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs, with sensitive editing, and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre
London pub theatres magazine ISSN 2977-6724