Review of Woodcut
"Fresh, Original and compelling to watch" by Archie Whyld
Woodcut is a recognisable present day clash of way of living ideologies. Helen, the material driven, go-getting business shark and her partner the mild and gentle tree surgeon who would rather carve a nice bit of wood then make a fast quid. This precarious relationship sets the tone for the conflicts and devastating betrayals that follows. The vivacity of the Woodcut cast serves Brashier's writing well with Katie Reddin-Clancy in particular, excelling in the role of Helen. She spans the range showing calculated ferociousness and crumbling into despair with equal measures of riveting truthfulness. Christopher Tate as Julian, Helen's hard-done-by boyfriend, plays the frustration of his situation balanced with his socialist-environmental philosophies with touching pathos. Brashier (yes that man again) is a loathsome Myles, the despicable, arrogant business associate of Helen. Support is strong from Claudia Butler playing a naive and smitten Suzy, Timothy Nixon making a fine debut as Mr Robinson, a crazy old man, and Michael Mogridge who plays Sean as an unlikeable, petulant teen who spits his food out. Woodcut was complimented well with minimalist staging and a perfectly fitting soundtrack.
Review of Woodcut
"Laughed, cried, stunned!!" by Jenny Beasley
I laughed and cried. This play is soooo good - has to go for a longer run and a bigger venue. Power-house performance from Katie Reddin-Clancy who devastated me with the help of that disturbing slime, Myles, brilliantly portrayed by Gary Brashier. Suzy played by Claudia Butler brought wonderful humour and tension breaking moments with her great character. The garden scene with Mr Robinson was a play in it's self and a wonderful interlude half way through. Sean played by Michael Mogridge was inspired with great energy and cheek. Mr Robinson played by Timothy Nixon gave a moving, lamenting and very reflective scene closure. Julian played by Christopher Tate was wonderful to watch throughout with Helen, his angered stillness and truth to character made his coupling with manic and deluded Helen work seamlessly. This play is a real roller coaster and should not be missed!! Play on guys!
Review of Woodcut
"Great Journey, Real drama, Brilliant!" by Andrew Simms
Woodcut was a great surprise! Brilliantly takes you on a journey weaved with irony and cleverly wrong footing the audience. The principle characters, Helen and Julian were portrayed with great belief and naturalism by Christopher Tate and Katie Reddin-Clancy. Just over an hour the first half at first seems quite tame compared to the last half which is supremely intense and totally compelling to watch but becomes very well paced and balanced with light and dark.
There were laughs and tears throughout this totally original play which well deserves a wider audience and should be transferred to a bigger theatre. Pity only a one week run but I'm sure WOODCUT will leave a deep impression! Well worth the £10.
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