The prodigal returns to his native Catford, but now he's a veggie, a yogi and brave enough to confront his wicked stepfather. Kett's play deals in types rather than individuals; it's hard to tell whether or not this, and the occasionally stilted, hyperpolished speech from Charlie about the enlightenment he's acquired on his globetrotting, are deliberate. I suspect not, and I think the over-expressive significant-revelation-coming lighting change slapped on towards the close bears out my suspicion. With only the proverbial two old people and a dog to play to, however, it's hard to gauge; either road up, though, harmless enough.
Written for City Limits magazine.
Copyright © Ian Shuttleworth; all rights reserved.
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