The Brick and the Rose *****

Surely everyone has seen this American play, which has been described as the Mafia’s version of Dylan’s ‘Under Milkwood’. Some, like myself, may have seen both the 1999 and 2000 productions, but even if you have seen it a dozen times before, the latest interpretation of ‘The Brick and the Rose’ by director Adam Mitchell at the Blue Room is brilliant.

Gone are the dodgy American accents and the hamming up of the pathos, this production has many of the original cast blending beautifully together. There are no props, few lighting changes and simple black costumes for the whole cast who stand in a straight line for the whole play, sounds boring? Well the interaction and spot on timing between the cast – who even whilst talking ‘directly to each other’ were still all facing the audience the whole time.

I will not mention any individual member of the cast, nor any of the 40 odd characters that were played by them, but instead will comment on the superb casting. Everyone selected was at their best; they all worked tirelessly and must have been emotionally drained after this tragic story. Seen it before – well see it again – you will never see it better!