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ED2014 4/5 Reviews ED2014 Theatre Reviews
God’s Own Country (Fine Mess Theatre Company)
By Dave Fargnoli | Published on Saturday 23 August 2014
Fine Mess have taken a risk in adapting Ross Raisin’s disquieting novel set in darkest Yorkshire, and it’s paid off. Here the complex story of isolated and damaged farm boy Sam is becomes a punchy and absorbing one-man show. The specific man in question changes as the cast alternates nightly, but even judged on writing alone, this is a strong play. Joel Samuels gave a great turn as the troubled protagonist, flicking confidently between motor-mouthed enthusiasm, moody introspection and well-judged humour. The staging is sparse and perhaps unambitious, little more than some scattered straw, and jarring blackouts are the only markers between scenes. Still, it’s an unsettling tale confidently told, building to a powerful climax.
Zoo Southside, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]
