FUTUREPROOF, SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE
HOW much of ourselves are we prepared to sacrifice for ‘the sake of the show’? That was the question asked by Stage 65’s latest production Futureproof.
Salisbury Playhouse’s youth theatre production tells the story of Riley (Craig Phelps) and his Odditorium, a once-successful travelling circus freak show whose members are struggling to survive and find their place in a changing world.
With the aid of some fantastic costumes, they created characters including an armless bearded lady (Bethany Hopkinson), a hermaphrodite (Julia Hardcastle) and the world’s fattest man (Jasper MacDermot), and the young actors handled their characters brilliantly.
Hannah Waterfall and Megan Slark as conjoined twins Lillie and Millie did particularly well at moving fluidly together, showing their connection but also their struggle to be individuals.
Iona Johnson, as the mute Serena, the Odditorium’s novelty act the Human Mermaid, also stood out.
Although there were comic moments, the play was quite dark and I was completely engrossed in the second act, which was moving and poignant.
The cast did such an impressive job that I completely forgot I was watching young amateur actors.
COREY ROSS
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