Pip Theatre’s latest production, produced by Moonspark Productions, of David Eldridge’s play, Beginning, is a poignant musing about two lonely people in our present day, seeking some sort of connection in inner-city London.
A real-time examination of two damaged people reaching out at the end of a party, with the woman taking the initiative. This two-hander movingly reminds us that, even in the age of social media and internet dating, creating a connection with another person remains as problematic as ever.
Laura is a 38-year-old managing director whose new north London home is where the housewarming party happened. Danny is a 42-year-old middle-management man who, having come along at the invitation of a friend, is the last man standing. They are similar in age, but in many ways, they are universes unto themselves. She is passionate, capable and, organised. He lives with his mum.
Taking place in real time over 100 minutes, the play shows them desperate for love and affection. It would be a big spoiler to reveal why they are so needy. Eldridge captures the way people’s desires rarely synchronise. Laura seems more assured, yet we sense a vacancy in her life.
Danny clearly likes her but is nervous, resisting her advances through evasion tactics, including cleaning up the detritus of the party. Eldridge shows that contrary to all the myths of our technological age and the allure of advertising, solitude is still pervasive.
The Australian premiere of the play is currently running in Brisbane at PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton. Crystal Arons and Jesse Blachut do an admirable job of bringing to life the angst of the two slightly sloshed Londoners.
The hunger animating Laura is evident, and Danny’s rugged wariness suggests a man who conceals a buried hurt. Director Heidi Gledhill has them hitting the right rhythm as both actors peel away protective layers, leaving you caring deeply about them, adding an eerie quality to present-day dating.
This is the production’s final week with only the following sessions of Beginning to choose from:-
- Thu 27 July 7.30 pm
- Fri 28 July 7.30 pm
- Sat 29 July, Matinee 2 pm
- Sun 29 July 7.30 pm
