Review of 'A Dog Called Redemption' at The Baby Belly 3

One of the wonders of theatre is it's a ability to show us characters that we might never come across in our everyday life; to show us something real and truthful; to show us situations or people that shock us or makes us think, laugh or cry. Matthew Lander's new play, 'A Dog Called Redemption' massively succeeds as an astounding and moving play about two 'rolling stones' battling to survive on London's streets without love or light. These two men, colliding amongst the cardboard boxes, embark upon an evocative journey into an unhealthy friendship that continually surprises and excites us.

The playwright himself plays Man 1, an ex drug addict, loud mouthed and outwardly confident but hiding a vulnerable and dangerous interior. Lander's performance is entertaining and heart-rending as he plays both brash and lighter moments with great sensitivity. But even more wonderful is the performance of Graham Elwell as the mentally ill, dictionary obsessed, Man 2. This perfectly executed, risky performance constantly strikes the audience into stunned fascination.

Mark Pollard's direction brilliantly maintains the pace whilst allowing us to dwell on the more sensitive moments. And with a masterstroke, he underscores the scene changes with Bob Dylan songs. Dylan always has that unnerving capacity to paint wonderful and oh-so-real portraits, bringing to life your average man on the street. In a similar fashion, Pollard has succeeded in gently stirring our thoughts with this warm yet spine-tingling piece. The play never comes across as preachy and yet gently prods us to consider how and where we find love in a world where hope and fellowship is often substituted with the false promises of material possessions.

Dylan wrote, "How does it feel, to be without a home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone?" In a beautiful and delightful production Bright Heights Theatre Company have sculpted a simple yet sensual answer that deserves unending plaudits.

Review also available on www.Fringereview.co.uk

For more excellent theatre go and see Involution at The Pleasance 10 Dome at Midday.