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Preview: Bunny

Cherwell’s verdict: Definitely hop along to this production.

Upon arriving at the preview for Bunny, one of the Burton Taylor’s offerings for fifth-week, I will admit my ears drooped a little when I discovered that the cast amassed to one person and that the entire play is a monologue. At the best of times, one man shows can become a little tedious. This combined with the frequent haphazardness of student theatre can be disastrous. Finding out that the story is set in Luton also did nothing to aid my cynicism.

However, the combination of an edgy script by Jack Thorne (writer of Skins and This is England ’86), expertly delivered by Emma D’Arcy as schoolgirl Katie, means that this Rough-Hewn production has the potential to be very impressive.

D’Arcy is very convincing as the babbling, rough-around-the-edges Katie. She exudes energy at the start, occasionally a little too much, with a few too many lines being lost through her jabbering and Essex-girl accent. Indeed, for the first ten minutes I was wondering whether I was in for an hour of conversation akin to chatter on a school bus. However, from the middle of the play through to the end, her performance is impeccable, with changes from tension to humour being navigated with care and believability. Mention should also be made of her ability to effectively convey other characters, whilst still giving us the impression that we are being told a story.

The interaction with the audience is what really makes this monologue work. D’Arcy addresses people directly, maintaining eye contact. I felt that I took on roles within the plot, sometimes as other characters, sometimes as Katie herself, but mostly as her friend of confidant. Also, unlike in many one man shows, D’Arcy never appears awkward on stage; there is just enough movement to keep it interesting, without detracting from the story that is being told.

The play will also be using animations by Joel Macpherson to help create the images of Luton that Katie describes. Whilst this perhaps isn’t a necessity, it may make this hour long play slightly less stilted for those who are sceptical about seeing a one actor production. (For a preview of these animations, look out for the Bunny trailer).

A funny yet provocative script exceptionally delivered – the Burton Taylor will be the ideal venue for this conversational production.

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