Presented by Lost In Translation
Reviewed 25 February 2016
Keith Huff’s A Steady Rain is an extremely well written script about friendship and loyalty looked at from the perspectives of two Chicago police officers – one hard-nosed; the other more naive and ‘by the book’. When it premiered on Broadway, it had no less than Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig in the roles of the officers.
How lucky is Adelaide to have Lost In Translation produce this fine piece of theatre here for the Fringe!!
Making his directorial debut, Ben Todd excels in producing some riveting moments and moving the show along, making a 90 minute run feel like 9. He makes sure that every moment is filled with humour, tension, drama or pathos. With a two hander it is so easy to either under or over move it. But Todd has struck upon the ideal balance and the ideal cast.
Nick Fagan and Rohan Watts are stunningly superb as the two cops and could give Jackman and Craig a run for their money anytime. Fagan is the vitriolic, racist hard-ass to a tee, but brings some beautiful softness to the character of Denny when required. Watts gives one of his finest performances to date as the more sensitive Joey. In a role that could be wrongly played wimpey, Watts brings a nice macho SNAG feel to the part.
Joey and Denny have been friends since childhood and with Fagan and Watts one never doubts that. The connectivity between the two characters is so vital to the story, something that Todd, Fagan and Watts have all achieved brilliantly.
The intimate, confined space of the venue only helps add to the atmosphere of closeness: actors and audience are almost face to face bringing us into the story at extremely close quarters.
There are some excellent shows on display for this year’s Fringe, but make sure to put this local piece of excellence on top of the list!
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Rating (out of 5): 5
Venue: Turi Bar e Caffe 3/25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
Season: 25 February – 5 March 2016
Duration: 95 mins
Tickets: $23
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
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