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Neil LaBute is probably right when he assumes, for this play, that body size is
now one of the few reasons office friends could raise to object and mock a
relationship. Thankfully, race and colour are absolutely out as weapons... yet
shape isn't.
Four excellent performances see Helen (Ella Smith) and Tom (Robert Webb) judged
by workmate Carter (Kris Marshall) and Tom's on / off girlfriend Jeannie (Joanna
Page). Carter sums up the fear of anyone different with a brutality that lifts
this out of sitcom and into drama territory, while Jeannie provides physical
contrast as well as an acid reactive to events.
What we don't get is an understanding of why Helen reached that size, but then,
do we need to? She may not know herself, and seems busy enough dealing with the
issue on a daily basis without stopping for deeper and more painful
contemplation. Perhaps it is this which is lacking in the production itself -
and which could have taken it to a different level.
On the other hand, the sheer normality of the situation, and what it uncovers,
does still make for a thought-provoking evening, and one well worth seeing.
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