The Last Time I Saw Richard: Viewing Relationships Under A Microscope at Bakehouse Theatre – Adelaide Fringe Review

Bakehouse Theatre – Main Stage, Wed 17 Feb The story begins as a casual hook-up, something convenient in terms of company and a little more, especially when working together in different cities, a safe place/person to talk and let out one's insecurities. But with the final scene some 10 or more years after the first, while time has trickled past, this part of their lives is continuing. With the one of our actors since getting married, it’s clear that casual doesn't mean that it doesn't matter. However there is always some distance between them and between us; we the audience seem to be peering into a narcissistic pool rather than a mirror held up to life. And even after this time of knowing each other, what do they know of each other and what do we? Then again, that may be exactly the point that the writer is making. This is underlined in the way the play is staged in a series of hotel rooms (in the first instance clearly part of the work / travel scenario, but later, specifically for meeting) – surely a quite artificial environment that doesn't reflect the room's occupants. The actors themselves play their parts to a tee, but the characters themselves are somewhat self-absorbed, allowing for little in the way of emotional dynamics. The lack of commitment to anything but the continuance of companionship and sex appear to be the only drivers in this relationship and we're left asking the question about what life has been lived over the period this play covers. As one expects at the Bakehouse Theatre, staging, effects, lights are all done to good effect. Clayton Werner The Last Time I Saw Richard continues at Bakehouse Theatre – Main Stage from 9pm until Sat 27 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.