'Kill Me Eat Me' contains very little of either activity : given that
the main characters are a trio living rough on the streets of "London
Town" very little eating takes place, although Nanw Rowlands, playing
the female of the three, manages to devour a sandwich with such an urgency
one can only assume she slept by a cash machine the night before the play
to get in character.
During this hour and a half long 'promenade' (don't expect a seat) performance
we are treated to a delightfully well-scripted view into the lives of
Jed, Trick, Dina and begging Zen.
The writing for the best part is a comical depiction of Jed and Trick's
ability to survive and dream of escape, with several hints at political
undertones. It is almost possible to forget the gritty reality of what
one assumes living rough is like, until it is brought back to the audience
in the latter third of the play with very moving exposure of the darker
elements of the characters' lives and histories.
The only real criticism is the almost Hollywoodesque wrap up for the ending,
which, although it implies hope for such people out side of the play,
actually comes across as slightly rushed.
Tom Murray-Rust and Weston Rose do a wonderful job of interacting with
many characters that are not present and delivering long rants about the
art of begging and their dreams of escape. Nanw Rowlands' role is reserved
to several needy or sarcastic quips and a pair of outbursts which are
skillfully delivered.
Definitely worth seeing, but comfy shoes will enhance the experience.
Ryan Faux, 03 Feb 04
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