Friday 27 November 2009 16:33 GMT
Sam Peter Jackson proves he’s a name to watch in Public Property - a comic satire on fame, sex and scandal.
Married, award-winning newsreader Geoffrey (with a secret gay lover in the background) has become something of a national institution, but a poorly received autobiography and an acrimonious split from his publicist is just the start of his troubles and possible downfall when he offers a tearful teenager a ride in his swanky car.
Jackson has a neat line in fast-paced dialogue, and is excellently served by a first class cast of three. Robert Daws’ plump, well-fed face registers growing panic as well as revealing a fundamentally compassionate nature as he realises just how deep a pit he’s dug for himself, whilst Steven Webb’s 16-year-old Jamie from up North cries real as well as crocodile tears when he finds himself caught up in a far trickier situation than he can cope with. And as debt-laden publicist Larry, Nigel Harman is a nasty self-serving manipulator, grabbing the opportunity of “money in humiliation” as he steers his client through – and into - a media minefield.
Hanna Berrigan’s direction keeps the action moving swiftly through the occasional repetitive lapse, and although it relies more on laughter than subtlety, this sharp new play makes for a hugely entertaining evening.
Trafalgar Studios (2), Whitehall, SW1A 2DY, (0870 060 6632) ambassadortickets.com/myrealwar until December 5 (£17.50 - £25.00)
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