The War Has Not Yet Started at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Review
The War Has Not Yet Started
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
12-28 May 2016
Reviewed by Helen Wyatt
Last night I was due to review a modern retelling of 12th Night for Plymouth’s Theatre Royal, however regrettably a member of the cast was unwell so when I arrived it had been cancelled. That didn’t stop Plymouth however as they ushered me into a very different show called “The War Has Not Yet Started”. This was held in the intimate Drum Theatre and as soon as I walked in I was struck by the imposing staging. The majority of the left of the stage was similar in style to a large heap of coal, almost up to the ceiling, topped with a leather fireside chair. The walls were very industrial with projections of strange faces. The rest of the stage simply had a table and chairs.
What followed was the most bizarre but entertaining collection of short, seemingly unconnected plays that constantly kept me guessing. Before I talk about those however, I should turn to the writer. The programme describes the show as a surreal black comedy by Mikhail Durnenkov. It appears, although isn’t made wholly clear, that a Russian writer was asked to write the play which has been subsequently translated into English.
Mikhail says that he wanted to capture today’s fast flowing times and to try and understand the connection between individual stories to create a testament to everything which is happening to us today.
There were 12 scenes, played by a cast of only 3: David Birrell, Tamzin Griffin and Joshua James.
Each scene was seemingly unconnected but each merged into the next in a seamless way, such as with the swift removal of a coat, or simply 1 of the cast moving across the stage as one character then becoming another. There were no costume changes or set changes, although there were a few props used to good effect, such as a tea set or a lighter. Lighting was used for emphasis, and different projections were displayed on the walls.
To reveal the detail of the play would spoil it for future audiences, as one key element is surprise; you can however expect commentary on war as a game, domestic violence, love, sex, mental illness, and a number of other themes. The cast although small really give it their all and are very engaging. They gel together very well and play to each others strengths. This play is well suited to the intimate Drum Theatre as it draws the audience right into the story.
Gender is not a limitation to this production, as males play both males and female characters, and vice versa. With no costume changes the audience are reliant on the skill of the actors to impress upon them the depths of the character and what their agenda is. You will find a demonstrator being remonstrated with by parents, a games tester discussing war games, a one night stand, a story of charity with a twist, mental illness and panic attacks, domestic violence, addiction, a murder plot, terrorism, suicide, family and the prodigal son, love, and hate. Each scene leads to the other in weird and wonderful ways and really leaves you guessing until the end.
You will find when you visit Plymouth that you are given a warm welcome. It is a bright and airy theatre which not only shows plays, musicals and other productions, but also shows artists work. There is ample local parking within easy reach of the theatre and you can grab a quick bite to eat into the cafe before the show or have a more leisurely meal in the restaurant. The food is top quality, with the menu changing regularly, and I would highly recommended booking table in advance.
The show tonight was unexpectedly good and I very much enjoyed the foray into this interpretation of modern times and events. There were very serious parts coupled with laughs throughout, making for a great evening’s entertainment.
I would happily recommended this show but WARNING – there is a fair amount of swearing which could cause offence!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.70 to £14.70 (booking fees may apply).
The War Has Not Yet Started is at the the Theatre Royal in Plymouth until 28 May 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222
