Review: RABBITS, Park Theatre

Power, lust and secrecy - are these the ingredients for everlasting romance? Things are more complicated than they seem in Joe Hampson's playwriting debut Rabbits, a sharp, quick-witted and sexually inquisitive dark comedy that explores the domestic struggles that takes place throughout a couple's life together.

Kevin lies comatose on the bed, beer belly out. A gentleman carrying a parcel interrupts his peaceful slumber, asking for something illegal to be done, and chaos ensues. There's a rabbit in a box and £1,000 at stake. Frank, played by David Schaal, is convinced the rabbit is bullying him. Originally a present from his wife, the animal is now seen as a provocation, bought deliberately to torment him.

Alex Ferns's Kevin is erratic and short-tempered - a comic foil with real gusto and stage presence. He has a natural connection with Schaal, and the pair takes Hampson's dialogue in their stride. This exciting energy is further complemented by Karen Ascoe, playing the over the top, slightly deranged Susan. Ascoe is a particular highlight, flitting with ease from affectionate to volatile towards her husband.

As the piece develops, layers are peeled away and we realise the complexity of the characters' situations. Nothing is black and white, and the three have more in common than one might first think. The actors place great trust in the text, and maintain exuberant energy throughout.

However, some moments of Sadie Spencer's direction seem misplaced, such as an odd set change choreographed to an awkward drum techno beat. Hampson's second scene is unfortunately less interesting than the first, but the themes of romance, fetishism and desire somehow remain. Alex Ferns plays a new character, Andrew, a marriage counsellor. His difference in characterisation is achieved so well that you almost forget it's the same actor.

Rabbits should probably be a one-act play. The most exciting moments of drama happen in the first scene, and there doesn't seem to be a need for the piece to continue after this, with the following dialogue descending into trite. Scenes two and three descend into sameness and lack substance. Nevertheless, the actors keep us engaged with a performance that's dynamic and bleak in equal measure.

Rabbits at Park Theatre until 19 August

Photo Credit: David Monteith-Hodge

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