Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Tim Whitnall’s play The Sociable Plover returns to the Old Red Lion, this time starring artistic director Jack Robertson and Calum Lill.
The action is set exclusively in a bird watcher’s hide overlooking marshlands, and the title refers to a particularly elusive bird due to land in today’s stormy weather conditions.
Roy Tunt (Robertson) is a seasoned birdwatcher. He’s fussy, compulsive, and a bit stuffy, given to correcting grammar and bringing supplies to clean up the space.
He even changes into a pair of slippers and is well-equipped with sandwiches, binoculars, and all the paraphernalia required to log the British bird.
In a moment, we are pulled into the world of this rather irritating but pitible man whose little world is reduced to his shortwave radio and sleeping in the shed.
When Dave (Lill) a suited type who seems totally out of place, enters the hide he seems to bring unease and danger with him. He’s a particular type, given to taking offence or reacting with a delightful range of eye rolls, underbreath muttering, and tense body language.
This two-hander gives both men a chance to check each other out, revealing or concealing information, conversing in affable one-liners, and cosy small talk.
Within a richly detailed set suggesting nets, foliage, and observation benches, The Sociable Plover unfolds in a way that wraps us in warm laughter before shocking us into a very different story.
To say more would spoil things (and I’d recommend not reading up about the play before seeing the production), but all the clues are there when you reflect on them. This is one of the rare shows I wanted to see again straightaway to fully enjoy what goes on.
Director Christa Harris allows the claustrophic set to envelop us from above as well as crowding the small space. It focuses our attention on Roy and Dave as they wait for the plover, and while the play unsettles and surprises us.
Robertson’s comedy performance as the obsessively organised Roy, reacting to any change in plan with a pursed lip or a wiggle of the head, is very appealing; while Lill utilises his long limbs and quiet air of menace to occupy the space like a curious spider.
I can’t fault anything about this production, which rewards the trip to Islington and deserves a wide audience. It’s an unusual thriller, very British and hugely satisfying.
Don’t miss out!
Five stars.
The Sociable Plover continues at Old Red Lion Theatre until 24 May, produced by resident company Medium Rare Productions. Details here.
Image credit: Alberto Roa