Wet House at the Live Theatre, Newcastle Review
Wet House
Live Theatre, Newcastle
17 September to 11 October 2014
Reviewed by Tammy Linsell
You can see (or review) a play or film and discuss its deeper meanings or hidden irony, and lavish eloquent praise or carping criticism. But if you’ve paid money to see something, artistic merit and value for cash boil down to one thing and one thing only. When you’re sitting there, in the audience, how many times do you look at your watch? During the film “The King’s Speech”, I consulted my timepiece every five minutes and walked out half way through to embrace the more interesting world of the Metrocentre. Thousands of people would suggest that I’m an un-intellectual heathen, but I thought this critically acclaimed film was bloody boring.
I saw “Wet House”, at the Live Theatre, Newcastle last night and I never wanted it to end. From the first word spoken to the last syllable uttered, I was completely absorbed with this thought provoking script by Paddy Campbell, delivered by actors of exceptional talent.
Andy (Riley Jones) is fresh out of university and takes a job at a hostel for homeless people where alcohol is openly allowed, and almost encouraged. Here he encounters fellow carers Mike (Chris Connel) a violent bully, the vulnerable Helen (Jackie Lye) and residents Dinger (Joe Caffrey) Kerry (Eva Quinn) and Spencer (Simon Roberts). Andy is naïve and wet around the ears, but gradually he becomes as cynical as Mike. Every actor was so convincing that I could actually believe I was there in the hostel with them. The vulnerabilities of all the characters are exposed and explored, leaving us with the message that we’re all vulnerable to some degree, regardless of who we are and whether we’re carers or being cared for. The characters are as much diverse as they are the same. There are comic scenes, but its black comedy with many violent encounters, and the acting is every bit as good as you would find at the RSC. No single performer stood out as being the best, they were all superb. Take the opportunity of seeing this marvellous piece of theatre while you can. My partner is planning a return visit before the production leaves Newcastle, it was that good.
The Live Theatre is a wonderful venue on Broad Chare, Newcastle Quayside. It’s a small auditorium that will make you feel part of the action. It is particularly good for wheelchair access as there is a large “cabaret” area level with the stage, and disabled toilet facilities. The bar/lounge is beautifully decorated and comfortable and the drinks reasonably priced. The performance programme is excellent value for money. It costs £3.50 and includes the written play in its entirety. Fabulous to refer to if you’re hard of hearing, and great to be able to read it later.
Caffe Vivo (correct spelling) is adjacent to the Live Theatre and linked to their website. We had a meal here, two courses for £16.50 each. Lovely food, not that much of it, but still nice and it would have been OK value had that been the end price. I was taken aback to receive a bill just shy of £47. We were charged £5 for two miniscule coffees, and an eye watering £4.10 for a pint of lime and soda. By any standards this is excessive. Then there was a 10% service charge added to the bill but not previously mentioned. This irritates me. I am happy to leave a tip of an amount that varies according to the standard of service, but this should never be an assumption. I complained and they halved the price of the lime and soda. We will not be returning to Caffe Vivo, Gustos is far better value and just up the road.
“Wet House” is an award winning play (it is one of The Guardian’s Top 10 plays of 2013) and it runs until Saturday 11th October at the Live Theatre, and then it moves to the Hull Truck, Hull from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th October, finishing up with a run at the Soho Theatre, London, from Wednesday 22nd October to Sunday, 16th November.
Not suitable for children.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £22.
Wet House is at the Live Theatre, Newcastle until 11 October 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0191 232 1232.
Live Theatre, Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DQ | 0191 232 1232
