Review written by Maria Eldridge.

If you like moody drama tinged with quirky humour, then look no further than Beckett’s ‘Rough for Theatre 1 and 2’ which made it’s West End debut on
Tuesday night at the reputed Arts Theatre.

Starring rocker Steve Harley and noted musical producer Mike Bennett, the first play deals with two ‘poor wretches’ trying to survive in a world that has been deemed unfir for human consumption !

As the blind fiddler, Harley is most convincing and bounces off the superbly delivered comedy lines spoken by Bennett as the troubled cripple, forever trying
to further his own ends.

The second piece looks at two clerics sifting through files belonging to a man on
the brink of suicide.

Despite the deeply disturbing themes, the two players pepper the proceedings with absurdist humour and get rewarded with a fair few belly laughs from an audience who are kept constantly on the edge of their seats.

With detailed direction from Gari Jones and simple but striking visuals from Sara Perks, this show is a winner. Check it out.

( Runs at the Arts Theatre until Sunday 15 th July.)