‘That’s Not for Me to Say” The Writers Bloc, The Churchill Theatre Studio, Bromley 30.07.2016

I have had the privilege to view, and review a few shows currently previewing in preparation for The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.  Both past shows have been musicals so tonight I was in for something different, a play.

A month back I was tweeted on Twitter and was invited to attend the Unmasked theatre company first viewing of ‘The Writers Bloc’ written by Luke Ofield who also directed alongside Pip O’Neil. I kindly accepted and on the 31st July I was off to the Churchill Theatre in Bromley.

The Churchill Theatre have participated in a two week production viewing of many theatre companies warming up before heading to the Fringe, each being held in the Churchill Theatres Studio. Tonight was the theatre company Unmasked Theatre.

When walking into the studio it felt very intimate, the company had a good turn out and filled most of the seat that were provided in the space, at first we sat second row but when other members sat in front we found the view quite restricted, so we decided to move to the front row on the left hand side.

The Set was simple, with only a table, chairs, and a back stage with a radio. The performers created each spaces
which was mainly the writers room where the manuscript was being writer, which throughout the performance was littered with paper of failed attempts. The benefit of having a simple set can allow the audience to draw more attention to the story, and you could see that each change and dream sequence was brought forward by the change in lighting. The only comment I can make is the props, as although they had a Vodka bottle, being the play is based in 1937, it sort of lost that feel when the performers brought out a plastic water bottle (that is of this age) and also plastic shot glasses. I would recommend trying to source a Hip Flask, and glass shot glasses, as it really did take away from the Era they were greatly portraying and drew the eye.

‘The Writers Bloc’  is based in 1937, and set in Soviet Russia. In an effort to deflect public attention away from the deadly purges of his enemies, minister Valery Mezhaulk (Ali Storm), acting on direct orders from Joseph Stalin commissions a great book to be written. To create this book Five great writers are placed in a room Yevgeny Zamyatn (Alec Clements), Natasha Bolkonskya (Kayley-Anne Rainton), Osip Mandekstam (Chris Whitmore), Mikhail Bulgakov (Charlie Frances), Boris Pasternak (Ben Baeza) with an infinite supply of vodka, cigarettes and fear. For each writer it is their last chance, and every word is loaded, however not every word is unheard as they are being watched throughout by the Guards (Pip O’Neill, and Kim Wright).

All  of the writers stated above are all based on real life figures, except for Natasha who was based upon both Anna Akhmatova, and Marina Tsvetaeva, however the story itself is complete fictional but powerful all the same, and throughout it explores loyalty, heroism and at times censorship. Strong throughout you can see how Stalin manipulates the writers, believing they are there for a purpose but in honesty keeping them locked upto prevent them from speaking out, propaganda, and providing them with endless drink to enable him to find hidden secrets that can lead to a horrible end. The Play is filled With a tense blend of violence, blood, lust, and comedy.

All performers of the night were strong, and could see that they have rehearsed thoroughly and really understood the roles they were portraying. Special mentions go to Chris Whitmore, who I thought was excellent in this role, and always drew my attention when amongst the other writers, every emotion was displayed in his whole body, and yet at times he had the audience giggling with great timing moments. Kayley- Anne Rainton also as Natasaha, Whom I thoroughly enjoyed watching also, she really did display the power of woman, and how she wasn’t manipulated by the men that surrounded her but stood her ground, and did not give in, who applauded her for taking a stand and leaving, and also wanted Alec Clements who played the new youngest writer (Yevgeny Zamyatn) to follow his first and only love, and to be disappointed that he remained, there chemistry on stage was brilliant, and both worked well with each other. I found it hard at times to hear when the guards performed but this may be due to the setting and staging therefore I did loose some words and lines of the story which was a little disappointing, but they were very intimidating when upfront with the writers, but I loved the ending where they portrayed that the chains had broken, and no matter how hard they tried to shut up the writer they cannot be hushed, and that was seen through the guards.

I thoroughly enjoyed the nights viewing, and both Pip and Luke should be proud of what they have created. I was glad to view something different as opposed to what I have seen prior this past month, and thank you for inviting me to attend. I wish them all the best when performing at the Fringe.  For any further information of Unmasked Theatre and future productions, please check out their Website here.