Sam Rees and AJ Turner create an austere, thought-provoking exploration of theatrical formRating
OK
This is a production that reimagines an art form and explores what theatre is, isn’t or could be. Wearing a tailcoat with a white bow tie and standing to the right of the stage, Sam Rees reads from a script, describing himself, his surroundings and what is about to happen. He explains that throughout the performance, he will not use images, because some people cannot rely on sight. Instead, the audience must use their imaginations, as he continues with verbal description.
Rees describes a Soviet naval officer on a submarine and considers his reaction to the devastation caused by a nuclear war. Whilst doing so, composer and sound designer AJ Turner plays beats from a sound deck, alongside guitar and violin melodies. As the destruction portrayed in the story gets worse, the music builds to a crescendo, but at times it is so loud that it becomes difficult to hear what Rees is saying over the top.
The writing is impressively incisive, particularly during a section about critic Quentin Letts and an imagined visit he made to the theatre. However, without any visuals or movement, it is difficult to remain fully engaged and involved. In 2023, I reviewed Lessons on Revolution, which Rees performed and co-wrote with Gabriele Uboldi. Like Gameplay, it explored historical events through a similar style of performance and storytelling, but used projected images to provide more visual interest and variety. A similar approach could have enhanced this production.
At the beginning of the performance, Rees warns the assembled audience that there might not be catharsis at the end of the show. There might not have been, but Gameplay did at least prompt a degree of reflection. This is a production that raises questions about what theatre is whilst offering an interesting exploration of what the form can be.
Written & Performed by AJ Turner and Sam Rees
Produced by Carmen Collective in association with Pleasance and Camden People’s Theatre
Gameplay plays at the Pleasance Dome until Monday 31 August (not 17th)
