by
Deborah McAndrew
Directed by Conrad Nelson
Designed by Lis Evans
'Nature abhors a vacuum'
2004 saw
the directorial debut of Conrad Nelson in a new version of Leopold Lewis's
classic melodrama, The Bells, written by Deborah McAndrew.
This creative partnership re-unite again with this darkly funny new play,
It's the
end of a long week for financial adviser Ray, and as he steps out of the winter
rain into the dingy little vacuum repair shop he has few expectations of his
new 'client'. But the enigmatic Mr Ashburner, turns out to be a man of untold
wealth.
As the night progresses Ray is drawn down into Ashburner's twilight world
and the fabric of his own fragile life begins to unravel.
But what else has Mr Ashburner's father bequeathed to his lonely son? And
how will Ray react when Ashburner reveals his true agenda?
In a tense game of cat and mouse their deep rooted problems and secrets are
cruelly exposed.
Like a tale of the unexpected the play concludes with a deadly twist.
“Reminiscent
of Arthur Miller with a touch of Dennis Potter thrown in - do catch this
if you can! It contains a lot of stuff you probably didn't know about vacuum
cleaners as well asking a few serious questions about life. A very satisfying
evening at the theatre”
bbc online
“Fascinating,
thought-provoking, socially relevant and philosophically provocative, this
was new writing at its best, performed with passion and panache.”
Northern Echo
“Vacuum is an interesting, well constructed two hander. Perhaps
best described as a comedy with growing suspense, a thriller with moments
of imagined fantasy and some jolly songs. The mix works well. The plot has
its own energy and direction and the sudden changes of mood are comfortably
handled.”
The Stage
