Gruesome Playground Injuries

Playlovers' Gruesome Playground Injuries is billed as "an unsentimental non-linear anti romance" by Rajiv Joseph. This shortish two-hander is beautifully presented and makes an entertaining evening.

Director Kristen Twynam-Perkins takes a Brechtian approach to the production, and between scenes we watch as the actors transform their characters with changes of ages, emotional state and in the case of the character Doug, creating a variety of bizaare injuries. The characters appear at various ages between 8 and 38.

Sam Barnett creates a believable and sympathetic Doug, with a multi-layered performance and excellent rapport with co-star Kimberley Harris.

Kayleen is beautifully played by Kimberley Harris and it is difficult to believe that she came to the role very late in the rehearsal process, as her character is so fully realised.

Gruesome Playground Injuries is a well directed and interesting play, extremely well acted, with an unusual production style. It is a show well worth seeing.

Kimberley Shaw