Surrey theatre company Theatre Revives! are presenting a first class production of Alan Ayckbourn's Taking Steps at the Emporium Theatre.
A distilled farce, with three floors of action taking place across a single stage space in the round, this production delivers an excellent interpretation of the text alongside highly entertaining physical comedy.
The ensemble cast support each other well through a demanding performance, generously allowing the comedy to spark within the relationships they develop on-stage.
Ewan Goddard steals the show as Tristram Watson – the bumbling, stammering solicitor who finds himself thrust amongst the warring characters and confused romances. His unassuming characterisation is endearing and watchable with a fine level of control and detail.
Despite the laughs throughout, at nearly three hours this production is over-long and would benefit from some cuts particularly in the first forty-five minutes. Closer attention to detail could also be paid to the stage design as the audience is seated so close, particularly the flooring.
Theatre Revives! is a new company with worthy aims; nurturing local talent and encouraging audiences into theatres by playing texts with honesty and engaging communities. Taking Steps is their first production and a clear step in the right direction.
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