An ambitious play about invention, trust, and intelligence, The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence is currently running at Drayton Arms Theatre.
Who or what is Watson? There are four constant companions of the same name threaded through this clever drama, all played by Hugo Linton.
Dr Watson, as problem solver and faithful chronicler of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Watson, as super computer and knowing advisor. Watson, as computer geek. Watson, requested to render invaluable assistance.
In each of the four stories that interlock in The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, we meet a character called Eliza (all played by Hanna Luna).
Whether a Victorian wife worrying about ‘strange occurrences’ at home, or an inventor developing a robot companion, Eliza is always wrestling with issues of trust and intimacy.
The other character in this trio is Merrick, played by Brandon Burke, as an auditor with computer problems seeking high office, and as an engineer constructing the perfect companion.
Links and echoes between the stories are reinforced by voiceover between scenes referring to Sherlock Holmes, and to Watson, associate to the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell.
At first the links are not that clear, but Watson the robotic companion and Watson the computer geek both interact with inventor Eliza, and this is the most developed of the pieces.
Director Julie Drake has envisaged a space outlined by a set of jigsaw pieces, hinting that there is a puzzle to solve. There are solutions to be sought, inaccuracies to be corrected, and confessions to be drawn.
Dr Watson, companion to Holmes, follows this path when pursuing Merrick, while other characters wear the same orange colour as the pieces, linking ideas together.
At two hours or just over, George’s dialogue has to continue to sparkle and keep us watching. She achieves this by scattering clues and parallels throughout for us to follow.
Starting with the future of a robot resembling a human, and finishing with a prototype that connected the world for the first time, she seeds questions about communication, companionship, and creativity.
The three performances are all a gift to actors, with strong comic elements and the chance to teeter over the top. All three performers are good: Linton clearly delineates the various Watsons; Burke is delightfully manic: and Luna gives Eliza cautious exasperation.
The staging deals with several different locations, costumes, props, with ease, although scene changes could be speeded up just a little. The pacing is excellent and the play is enjoyable while asking careful questions about humanity.
This is a play full of intrigue, caution, and carefully-crafted comedy. An enjoyable revival of this 2014 Pulitzer Prize nominee from 5Go Theatre Company.
4 stars.
You can see The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence at Drayton Arms Theatre until 18 Oct – tickets here.
Note: I saw the very first performance of this play prior to press night.
Image credit: Lidia Crisafulli