Review: Duns Players perform Gagarin Way

A challenge perhaps, but one to which the Players rose with exceptional energy and style. Directors Peter Lerpiniere and DC brought this savagely funny and ultimately gruesome piece to life through a ‘less is more’ approach.

An inspired but simple set amply described the bleakness of the work environment without detracting from the action. The dialogue was fast and sharp, and each of the actors delivered it with extraordinary deftness, particularly considering the sheer density of lines.

Ben Foreman as Eddie maintained a dazzling pace throughout without missing a comic beat, whilst never losing that sickening edge of menace. Dougal Affleck deftly furnished the optimistic and bungling Gary with just the right mix of idealism, morality and uncertainty. Matthew Taylor played hapless security guard ‘Tom’ with a convincing finely-gauged nervousness, successfully conveying the message that whilst education can provide knowledge, it doesn’t always provide answers – far less a glittering career. John McEwen gave an assured and anguished account of Frank, the kidnapped business ‘consultant’ whose life at the capitalist trough had bestowed fewer riches than his tormentors initially supposed. KT