REVIEW: SAFEHOUSE by Liam Scanlon at The Cockpit 13 - 14 December 2023

“Can you resist the forces of love and attraction?” ★★

In the stark setting of a bare stage with lights blazing, the play introduces us to two strangers, Blake (Brian Law) and Dan (Yannick Bud), engaged in post-theatre banter. Their discussion unfolds around a play that inundates itself with gay stereotypes, leaving them feeling unrepresented. The evening extends to a Soho bar, where dialogue is exchanged amidst sips of rosé and puffs of cigarettes.

Blake, a hopeful Canadian expat working hard in the bustling "city," contrasts sharply with Dan, a former New York model whose aspirations in London have seemingly crumbled. Blake describes the initial euphoria of moving to London as “being on drugs all the time”, a sentiment familiar to ex-pats in the audience. Dan, on the other hand, paints London “as a beast no man can tame”. As they discuss their lives, love, experiences of being gay in school and the impact of their upbringing, the audience is left wondering about the trajectory of their relationship and their lives.

The second half propels us a year forward to a "chillout" party where they reunite with a third character, Lukas (Liam Scanlon), a lively Swedish individual seeking fun and, optimistically, a threesome. The play takes a "meta" turn when it appears that the earlier-played drama is unfolding in Lukas's living room.

Regrettably, the chosen venue does not complement the intended effect of the production. The Cockpit's expansive stage proves challenging, rendering the performance more suited for an intimate setting. Without adequate voice projection, smooth transitions, and effective direction, the overall feel is cold and awkward.

The production could greatly benefit from a re-evaluation and an extended rehearsal period to address the evident issues. The lack of chemistry between the main characters creates an impression that they are merely reciting lines. The portrayal of alcohol and drug effects lacks consistency, and the plot lacks a clear structure, climax, or well-developed character connections. Lukas, while providing moments of humor and relief, comes across as a caricature. At times, the play feels like a venture into one of Warhol's factory films, creating a disjointed and puzzling experience for the audience.

In essence, the potential for a compelling narrative exists within the material, but the execution falls short. A shift to a more intimate venue, coupled with improved voice projection, smoother transitions, and a more cohesive direction, could enhance the overall impact. Additionally, a revisiting of character dynamics and a thorough rehearsal process would likely address the chemistry issues and bring out the authenticity of the performances. With these adjustments, the play could evolve into a more engaging and resonant theatrical experience.

SAFEHOUSE by Liam Scanlon at The Cockpit Theatre

Brian Law as Blake

Yannick Budd as Dan

Liam Scanlon as Lukas

Director: Laura Rinati

Produced by A Little Twisted

Reviewed by Jess Gonzalez