REVIEW: How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Project A, Newcastle Theatre Royal's Actor Training Course presents

How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Saturday 13 July 2024

This play by Fin Kennedy is an adaptation of the 1985 book, of the same name by Doug Richmond,  that suggested losing your current identity and picking a new one is more straightforward than you'd believe.

As a play the action surrounds an advertising executive called Charlie (Oscar Ridley) who is working punishing hours, fuelled by alcohol and cocaine. His lifestyle is damaging mentally, physically and emotionally. To cap it all his employer is less than sympathetic to the notion that he took some time out to attend the funeral service of his mother whom he now carries around in a small urn.

Charlie collapses and finds himself in the lost property area of a tube station being attended to by a underground worker (Dan Culyer). With a cut to the head he seeks support from the company doctor only to find that his recent past dealings with his employer is starting to catch up on him. The tale then appears to explore the options.

This is a graduation production for the Theatre Royal's own production company - Project A - which it describes as "a full time actor training company for 18 – 25 year olds. Suitable for those just starting their journey as an actor or those who are almost ready to enter the industry, we keep our cohort sizes small which means we can dedicate the time and support required to get the best from each of our students." 

Based upon this production, directed by Alex Elliott, the class of 2024 have clearly grown into a fertile creative force that have a lot of potential for the future. I know a number of past graduates have quickly found work in the region and beyond and as such, this course needs to be celebrated. The action takes place in the recently refurbished studio theatre and the flexible nature of the space is exploited. 

The show is, at times heavy going as it examines the low point in the main characters life. At times it is a tough watch, but, as is the nature of life - you also get those light relief moments even in the points of desperation - especially when dealing with bureaucracy. 

It is a large cast of 18, many of whom cover multiple roles as Charlie's life falls apart and he seeks a new path. The story is a powerful one, though you keep hoping for some genuine professional support. Though this play dates back to 2005, it shows how historically the mental health services have never really had appropriate priority and how employers still have a lot to learn about their employees welfare. As a society we still have a long way to go.

This is an engaging production from Project A, which in itself adds to the rich cultural tapestry of the north east.  The talented ensemble work well with a challenging script and we look forward to seeing each of them in action again. Oscar Ridley, in particular pulling off the desperation of a man last seen in the film Falling Down.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Tickets:

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/how-to-disappear-completely/

Evenings: 7pm

Running time: 2hrs (including interval)

Recommended age by the theatre: 12+ contains flashing lights, haze, strong language, reference to suicide, drugs and drug use, visual representations of dead bodies and fake blood.