REVIEW: RAGGED CLAWS by Agnes Perry-Robinson at Barons Court Theatre 11 – 15 March 2025
‘The second act really brings the entire play alive and is well worth the wait’ ★★★ ½
What drives us? Many people have a passion which takes over their lives, perhaps a sport or an art form, but in this case, it’s food.
Head chef Henry has set up Ragged Claws fish restaurant with his best friend Dan but after a bad review, customers fall away. Dan finds other employment and enjoys success, while Henry struggles onward to keep his dream alive. Meanwhile girlfriend Maggie has her own career in music to think about, but this doesn’t stop her from being worried about Henry’s mental health. It’s a concern shared by Dan and waitress Anna.
In successive scenes Henry’s mental health deteriorates, exacerbated by visits from the spiteful food critic who seems determined to ruin him. In the second act the resolution is very satisfying.
The second act really brings the entire play alive and is well worth the wait. Things start to get quite exciting when Nash Nørgaard as Dan takes centre stage. Right from the very beginning of the play he is the real deal. He’s either had training as a chef or it is very well observed. He looks the part too, chefing is very physical work and he has a very honed physique. The scene in which he is on the phone, standing in a spotlight, is a turning point in the play and he’s eminently watchable. In his scenes with Columbus Mason as Henry, the pair play off each other beautifully. Best of all, Nørgaard can deliver a comedy line. More of these would be very welcome considering the dark theme of the head chef’s despair.
Unfortunately, the mental health aspect seems a little forced, pushing Mason to give his character so much angst early on, that it leaves him with nowhere to go. Just more of the same. What a pity that this wasn’t developed in smaller steps, allowing the audience to begin to suspect he must be losing it before it becomes clear. It makes the first act a little relentless, and without any humour to give any sense of release, it feels a little flat. However, there’s no shortage of talent here.
It's still an entertaining show which raises questions about passion projects, ambition, friendship and the power of critics. Some great duologues too, particularly charming episodes between friends Maggie and Anna, played by Elizabeth Blayne and Natalie Crafts respectively. They have a great rapport.
Agnes Perry-Robinson is surely a playwright and director with a future, and we can only hope that she will be bringing more of her work to Barons Court Theatre.
The Ganymede Theatre Company in association with Alice Nicholson Presents:
RAGGED CLAWS
By Agnes Perry-Robinson
Barons Court Theatre
11 -15 March 2025
Cast: Columbus Mason, Nash Nørgaard, Elizabeth Blayne, Natalie Crafts and Lexie Penhaligon
Director: Agnes Perry-Robinson, Producer: Alice Nicholson, Assistant Director & Composer: Stephen Kilduff
