Review of "Shrunk"

Shrunk

By, Charlotte Eilenberg

Presented by: Good Night Out Presents

The Cock Tavern Theatre, Kilburn

18/05/2010-12/06/2010

*The tables are turned in this darkly-comic look at psychoanalysis and its effects on both therapist and patient.

Charlotte Eilenberg’s new play “Shrunk” explores the concept of modern psycho-analysis and the potentially negative power it can wield. It questions the impact of an analyst’s own struggles on the advice which they give to their patients, as well as the impact of that advice on their lives. Would we still value the opinion of our therapist if we knew how similar they were to us, flaws and all?

The credentials of “Shrunk” are certainly impressive. The Cock Tavern Theatre is a beacon on the London Fringe scene, producing consistently good material, a fine example of which is its long running “La Boheme” which is transferring to the SoHo Theatre in July. Under the Artistic Direction of Adam Spreadbury-Maher, The Cock Tavern has won awards and critical acclaim and built a reputation as a showcase for exciting new works. “Shrunk” playwright Charlotte Eilenberg also won both The Critic’s Circle Award and a Laurence Olivier Award for her first play, “The Lucky Ones”, which had an extended sell-out run at The Hampstead Theatre. Director Julian Birkett has built an impressive career as a producer and director for BBC TV. And actors Jack Klaff and Amanda Ryan have, between them, experience at the National Theatre, the Donmar Warehouse, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End.
Adding to these strengths, Kate Guinness has designed an intricate and intimate set which truly draws the audience in. The endless collection of books, dark wooden window shades, leather and oak furniture, and plush carpets create an extremely realistic analyst’s office. This attention to detail, combined with the close quarters of the Cock Tavern, produce an overwhelming feeling of actually being in the room with Max and Celia. Sound and lighting design compliment this experience perfectly.

 

Yet, despite all of this, and despite a committed performance turned out by both members of the cast, there are things about “Shrunk” which don’t work. The script has several darkly comical elements, however attempts at shock plot twists come across as too predictable. Further, the play relies heavily on melodrama, which makes it difficult to find pieces of the action believable. For example, the reality of a spouse leaving is undoubtedly traumatic, but Celia’s behaviour suggests a deeply disturbed woman with mental health issues beyond the pain of marital breakdown. Where the audience wants to see real emotional honesty and vulnerability from her, she is instead written as unsympathetic, psychotic, and violent. With this in mind, it is unlikely that Max would be so relaxed around her or, indeed, that he would freely reveal so much of himself given that she is pointing a gun at his head. Obviously, she is forcing him to speak, but Max’s forthcoming calmness feels out of place. By layering the character of Celia, allowing for her to express more emotional levels, and sharing more glimpses of her life with her husband, it would lend much needed sympathy to her character and, by extension, believability to the play as a whole.

The result of this lack of emotional variation is the impression of unnecessary exposition and posturing, which misses the numerous opportunities for real, honest connection between the characters. However, Jack Klaff and Amanda Ryan are both obviously skilled actors, turning out entirely watchable and entertaining performances. The set is sumptuous, the writing is generally witty (aside from the prevalence of excessive Freud impressions), and with work on the structure and characterisation within the script there is certainly room for improvement. Ultimately, there is a great deal of talent on display in this particular production, and “Shrunk” is worth seeing if for this reason alone.

Playing through June 12, 2010 at the Cock Tavern Theatre, Kilburn. Review written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Review: www.fringereview.co.uk.