Review: MADE UP, Birmingham Rep Theatre, May 17 2016

Birmingham-based theatre company Stan's Café have been creating new theatre for 25 years. After successes such as The Just Price of Flowers and The Cardinals, they return to the Rep with their brand new and original production - Made Up. In collaboration with the theatre, Made Up is a story told through a series of live make-up transformations and the relationship between an actress and her make up artist.

The Door, one of the Rep's smaller spaces, is dominated by a steel framework lined in rope light, representing a trailer whereby a film/TV star would prepare before recording. Designed by Harry Trow, just a make-up chair and table exist within the space along with the two actresses who fill it.

The make-up here is not only a physical aspect of the play but also a metaphorical one for women's personal lives outside of work. Andrew Whiteoak's make-up design is remarkably realised by make-up artist Sue, played by Alexis Tuttle. The upstage video projection allows you to see actress Kate (Emily Holyoake) in close-up whilst she is getting made up. The video does not need to be on for its entirety and a higher definition feed would have allowed more detail to be seen but it proves an effective tool.

James Yarker's script not only features conversations between the two women but also provides a voice for others such as Sue's estranged daughter Lexi and Kate's difficult mother. The narrative goes backwards and forwards throughout and although Simon Bond's lighting is able to differentiate this in part, occasionally it is not clear whose voice it is.

Made Up is a good devised piece but one that requires a little more work to succeed fully.

Made Up plays at Birmingham Rep until Saturday 21 May and tours until 11 June 2016.

Photo credit: Graeme Braidwood

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