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ART At Lighthouse Poole Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Georgina Bentley

I knew nothing about the play ART and was very intrigued as to what I was going see on stage to fill a show of 90 minutes and captivate an audience about ‘a blank canvas’! A friend had mentioned to me before I saw the show that it might be like a modern take on ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, however a much more hilarious philosophical wonder of debate, friendship and emotions ensued.

I wasn’t disappointed, the evening was full of quirky humorous moments and has very clever, sharp and witty writing. It is based on an act of Serge’s splurge on an abstract painting (a plain white canvas, or not?) that tests the 3 men’s bond of love and friendship, bringing out their differing views on modern and traditional, and opening up wider disagreements.

Serge, played by Chris Harper, has sparked more than just a simple conversation between the 3 friends of 15 years and a deep, meaningful and fiery at times, exchange of opinions takes place. Serge didn’t expect his purchase of the piece of art he had fallen in love with to bring about such emotions. Aden Gillet plays Marc and is absolutely brilliant at interchanging from complete rage at the situation to hiding this behind his polite demeanour. The comedian, Seann Walsh, plays the middle man caught between his two friends and who is also dealing with many things outside of their friendship and even more by the end of the play!

Exceptional acting was displayed by the cast of three and they all seem to be enjoying the show themselves immensely which adds to the feel of the performance and puts the audience into a relaxed atmosphere despite the disagreements that evolve. The end of the play was not what I had imagined it would be and it explained some of what one could have said the piece of art was about, however this did bring me to question how my own interpretation may be different to others.

The set, lighting and music all added to the overall pleasant experience. The set was very simple but also very effective, with sharp lines and distinguishing features between scenes. The lighting and music were both punchy and subtle and very well timed throughout the play.

Yasmina Reza’s Art was originally in French and has been cleverly translated by Christopher Hampton. Reza and Hampton show us how three men chat and debate over something that they all see differently and how it actually does make these men engage in deep conversations with plentiful emotion, this in itself is very clever writing.

Iqbal Khan directs this brand new production of Yasmina Reza’s play and their UK Tour kicks off at Poole’s Lighthouse on 29th August, also visiting Bath, Norwich, Colchester, Malvern, Eastbourne, Nottingham, Coventry and Sheffield.

The Poole Lighthouse Theatre is a fantastic venue to watch a play and it really doesn’t matter where you sit in the house, as every seat has a great view and is a very comfortable setting.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £25 to £34.50 (booking fees may apply)

ART is at the Lighthouse Poole from 29-31 August 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 280000
Poole Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG

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