Published: Thursday, 21st May, 2009 12:30pm

Reviews: Popcorn and the Shaolin Warriors

by Barrie Theobald

Comments (0) | Print | Email

Behind the readily apparent dark humour in Ben Elton"s thrill-a-minute drama Popcorn, which I saw at The Progress Theatre, the author is constantly challenging us to decide who is responsible for the fate of the characters and what could be done to avert the tragic outcome.

Flushed with success following the surprise triumph of one of his psychopathic films at the Oscar ceremonies, Bruce Delamitri (Matt Stephens) arrives home to find his house broken into by two of America"s most wanted fugitives - the Mall Murderers.

Wayne (Matthew Wellard) and his moll Scout (Ashley Davis) were perfectly cast in these roles, maintaining their 'deep south' drawls throughout the piece.

Whilst Bruce"s latest one-night-stand Brooke may have been better known in the plot for her prowess as a centrefold rather than an actress, Tonya Walton"s masterly portrayal proved beyond doubt her own acting ability in this role where we watch her slowly die from gunshot wounds.

Director Trevor Dale"s tight grip ensured our concentration was fully focused throughout this superbly acted performance.

Lovers of martial arts, and in particular Kung Fu, were given a rare treat to watch masters of the genre depict their feats of agility, skill and strength when the Shaolin Warriors appeared at The Hexagon.

Many breath-taking disciplines were on offer, including breaking planks of wood over their heads and suspending one of the troupe on spear tips to his chest and throat.

Humorous interludes saw members of the audience invited onstage to take part in some of the training exercises while the speed and skill of the warriors constantly amazed us.

THIS WEEK:

● Billy Liar, South Hill Park. Thursday, May 21 to Saturday, May 23. Call 01344 484123.

● Noel Coward"s Blithe Spirit, Watermill Playhouse. Thursday, May 21 to Saturday, June 27. Call 01635 46044.

● Deadly Murder. The Mill at Sonning. Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, May 31. Call 0118 969 8000.

● The Vagina Monologues, South Hill Park. Monday, May 25. Call 01344 484123.

● Write Me A Murder, Theatre Royal Windsor. Tuesday, May 26 to Saturday, May 30. Call 01753 853888.