Review: BULL is a Thrilling Fight Full of Punch

The Coal Mine Theatre's second production, Mike Bartlett's BULL, offers a cutthroat and ruthless look into a highly competitive workplace situation. This small independent theatre company located at the bottom of a Danforth pizza joint offers a new experience for Toronto theatregoers in the East End.

Set in a hostile workplace, three colleagues 'fight-to-the-death' for two jobs in an intense, sharp and brutal night of theatre. Tony (DAMON RUNYAN) and Isobel (DIANA BENTLEY) degrade and manipulate their co-worker Thomas (RYAN ROGERSON) in an attempt to steal the spotlight in the eyes of their boss Carter (MARK CAVEN). Diana Bentley is brilliant as a bully that you love to hate; her ruthless and conniving portrayal of Isobel creates a tense environment that brews up rage within the audience.

The stage is set as boxing ring with the audience looking into the action from all angles. This fascinating set up allows for an immersive experience where no actor can hide. The mesh netting around the stage works with the lighting to create the illusion of a fishbowl effect. As the actors are playing to all sides of the room, I found myself focusing on different events happening in each scene. I'm sure every person in the audience saw the play differently from each angle - a genius work of art!

The metaphorical comparison of unleashing your inner bull in competitive situations creates for a thrilling experience. Though the audience will likely root for the underdog, Thomas, the ruthless and over-the-top tactics deployed by Isobel and Tony will tempt viewers to support their unruly plan. The escalation of Thomas' frustration and anger throughout the play keeps you on edge and concludes in an epic final scene. Ryan Rogerson gives an outstanding performance; his pain and frustration was felt throughout the room.

This refreshing, ambitious and unique experience at the Coal Mine is the true beauty of independent theatre. The audience is able to feel connected and involved throughout the play through its intimate setting and staging. Venture off to the East End and check out this near perfect production before its too late!

Directed by David Ferry (The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, After Miss Julie, Blackbird), BULL stars Diana Bentley (Savage in Limbo, A Month in the Country, Our Town) as Isobel; Mark Caven (Maleficent, Murdoch Mysteries) as Carter; Ryan Rogerson (As You Like It, Bingo!) as Thomas; and Damon Runyan (Gangland Undercover, In A Forest Dark And Deep) as Tony. BULL is on stage until April 5, 2015. Ticket prices range from $20-$25 and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com

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