Black Dog Productions burst onto the Bath Fringe stage last year with a much celebrated new piece of writing “Howl.”
Once again Russell Eccleston has proven he has a head for complex and intriguing storytelling and this year he has created a fine concept of a younger sister Elsie who is attempting to unpick the puzzle behind her sister’s apparent suicide.
Alicia Pollard, Tiffany Rhodes and Jamie Harradence complete the small cast who (no spoilers here) unravel the quest that Elsie (Tiffany Rhodes) has set herself.
She is living in a small room surrounded by police files and random shards of her sister’s life, desperate to make sense of her untimely death. Whilst shifting through the remnants of the lost life Elsie finds a lead which in turn reveals the truth and heartbreak of an entire family.
The arrival of Max (Jamie Harradence) as the equally tortured brother brings a crashing conclusion to proceedings.
Burdall’s is an ideal setting for this intimate show; however the staging limits the directional choices on offer.
The potential within this piece is palpable, the concept is strong and with further exploration it could no doubt become a longer and more complete work.
Black Dog Productions are on the map and the bold, refreshing voice of Eccleston is well worth keeping an eye on. For those who missed it last year “Howl” is being performed at The Nest June 27 & 28 and well worth a visit.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield | Rating: *** Three Stars | Production: Black Dog Productions
