I Promise You Sex and Violence at the Northern Stage, Newcastle Review
I Promise You Sex and Violence
Northern Stage, Newcastle
5-20 September 2014
Reviewed by Rhys Black
Last night (5 September), What’s Good To Do has been back to the Northern Stage theatre in Newcastle to review the play I Promise You Sex and Violence.
The Northern Stage is a lovely theatre and a hidden gem of Newcastle. It is situated within the grounds of Newcastle University, and has 3 stages so there is always something on to interest most people.
Last night was the play I Promise You Sex and Violence. As the title suggests this play is not suitable for younger audiences but instead this is best suited to adults who are not easily offended and who want a good giggle.
The play revolves around the interrelationships of 3 friends, mainly focusing on their changing relationships with each other as the protagonist, Bunny, introduces the two most important people in his life. One of the funniest scenes in the play was the awkwardness of Charlie and Q’s first date – very cringeworthy but really well acted out. As these relationships develop all three characters are forced to admit to some of their deepest secrets, resulting in them finding themselves in unfamiliar situations and some real laugh out loud moments for the audience!
The lighting and staging are very clever, the use of multimedia also brings another dimension to the play.
The character of Bunny is brilliantly played by Keith Fleming – you can really feel the emotions he goes through as he struggles with his sexuality, while maintaining the different roles his two closest friends expect him to be (witty masculine best mate, and feminist gay best friend!)
Charlie played by Esther McCauley is the only female within the play, her character is brilliant
Reuben Johnson portrayal of Queue or Raymond was simply brilliant! He kept up the character throughout dropping in a bit of gangster at times, hilarious!
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable play, with a quirky witty title.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost £14.50 (over 18’s only).
I Promise You Sex and Violence is at the Northern Stage, Newcastle until Saturday 20 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.
Northern Stage, Barras Bridge,Newcastle Upon Tyne,Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RH
