Mixed Doubles: The Old Fire Station (From The Oxford Times)

Mixed Doubles: The Old Fire Station

2:51pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Theatre By Nicola Lisle

Three plays, three different themes, but all touching upon some of the most basic human emotions — jealousy, resentment, prejudice and deceit, among others.

This showcase by members of the Oxford Actors Network, in the intimate setting of the newly-refurbished Old Fire Station auditorium, gave plenty of food for thought in these intriguing and compelling one-act dramas.

Thomas Bewley’s Roman Fever, adapted from a short story by Edith Wharton, sees two women meeting in Rome after many years while visiting their daughter.

Soon they are reminiscing, but before long it is clear that beneath the veneer of friendship there are smouldering resentments that have lain dormant for decades. The tension gradually builds towards some devastating revelations.

Anita Wright and Hester Lott captured the different characters of the two women very convincingly, in a play riddled with conflict and angst.

There was a similar sense of conflict in Rio Fanning’s Hamster’s Revenge, but this time focusing on sibling. Successful businessman Charles (Gerard Robinson) comes to visit his sister, Leonora (Karen Ford), after many years of absence, to congratulate her on her Lottery win. But once again age-old resentments soon surface in this tale of greed, deceit and despair.

A little light humour provides some welcome relief, while a couple of twists keep the audience guessing to the end. In Crossing Over, writer Mary Scott bravely tackles the thorny issue of immigration, raising questions about how we treat our asylum applicants.

Ms Scott also stars as weary, cynical Immigration Officer Margaret Denton, whose composure is gradually broken down by Petra (Gosia Brudlo), a young girl seeking asylum after enduring horrific treatment by her own family.

Petra’s tragic tale brings out Margaret’s compassion and vulnerability as the two women, against all odds, find an emotional bond. With first-class acting and some enthralling plots, this showcase ticked all the right boxes.

For more information about the Oxford Actors Network, visit www.oxford-actors.net.