Review: CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, Manchester HOME

Annie Baker's 2014 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Circle Mirror Transformation, transports you to a studio in a community centre in Vermont. Samal Blak's design features mirror-covered walls, in which the audience can view themselves - helpful for making the audience feel a part of the group.

The constant change of time and date is portrayed by a small blackout and musical interlude, aided by flickering fluorescent lights. It's a very quick and effective way of highlighting the transitions.

All the characters are taking part in a six-week long drama class. Amelia Bullmore plays the free-spirited drama leader Marty. Anthony Ofoegbu is her husband, James; Yasmin Paige 16-year-old aspiring actress Lauren; Con O'Neill the loveable but down-on-his-luck Schulz; and Sian Clifford the bubbly and beautiful actress Teresa. All the actors put in a stellar performance, but O'Neill's endearing character does stand out.

Over the course of six weeks and a number of drama games, the group slowly discovers more about one other. However, this doesn't always lead to the best outcomes. The naturalistic style of play shines through both Baker's writing and the focus on the ordinary, and is accentuated by Bijan Sheiban's directing.

The awkward pauses between the students are so uncomfortably realistic that the audience can't help but laugh. The entire play is very humorous, but there are also touching moments about heartbreak throughout the piece.

However, the naturalism of the play is both its greatest strength and weakness. The awkward pauses make it drag at times. By the end of the play, you're left still wishing to know more about the lives of the characters you've been introduced to, as you're only treated to snippets of information.

For example, I longed to know more about the conflict experienced by Lauren in her mixed Irish-Lebanese household. I wanted to see Teresa as more than just the worth of her interaction with the men in her life. The subtlety of the piece is beautifully executed on stage, but leaves a little frustration.

The beauty of the play lies in its focus on the realness of its characters and their ordinariness. But if you want some escapism in your theatre trip, you may only find other ordinary people's lives interesting for so long without craving more theatrics.

Circle Mirror Transformation at HOME until 17 March

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

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