Upstaged Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Elise Gallagher
Written by Caroline Lamb and directed by Helen Parry, On Me is a 60 minute play being performed in the upstairs function room of the Seven Oaks pub, as part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.
The play focuses on two actors, Shona (Leah Eddleston) and Christian (Alexi Papadopoulos) who are navigating troubling reenactment scenes for a true crime documentary series. The two are clearly attracted to each other, but as the lines between reality and script blur, questions of consent, vulnerability and what is appropriate linger heavily in the air.
The story is told using a clever mix of scenes taking place in, during, and out of the filming process. Quick snapshots of moments between the two protagonists, the documentary series Director (Brandon Worrall) and his Clapper Loader (Sean McGlynn) are interjected with the voices of team members off stage.
The play explores the very nuanced subject of power in relationships which sits front and centre in production today. The actors navigate the conversation gradually, this unique situation setting off with an abrupt start before key moments around safeguarding and boundaries interject the script. I’d suggest this play isn’t appropriate for everyone as there are moments of sexual violence – however, these moments were produced and performed sensitively.
One moment done particularly well was a very tense scene between Shona (Eddlestone) and the Clapper Loader (McGlynn). They don’t speak as he goes about his work but despite this you find yourself holding your breath. You don’t know what will happen, but a sense of unease overwhelms the room. This is particularly effective given McGlynn’s lack of lines throughout the whole play. Caroline Lamb explores the topic incredibly well, the conversations and interactions between characters feel natural and the chemistry between the two actors is evident and believable. There are some clever tricks in the script, however, I feel elements of depth are cheapened slightly by a cliched ending. The Seven Oaks pub has stood in Manchester since 1824, but it feels like the issues surrounding female treatment have been standing for longer. This uniquely modern situation – particularly in regard to the rise in true crime/female victim content – is a worthy and thought-provoking addition to a very important and vital conversation.
Elise Gallagher
On Me runs at the Seven Oaks Pub until Saturday 30 July and you can find out more about the Greater Manchester Fringe here.