We all know the dramas of the January housing rush with the politics of choosing housemates and the dawning realisation that you may not actually be as suited to live together as you’d hoped. So the plot of Cover Up is perfectly timed: striking a chord whether those housing niggles are still hiding in your subconscious or if you’re already being driven made by the ever-growing piles of dishes that definitely does not belong to you.
Despite the snow, the Drama Barn was packed for the opening night of Sam Thorpe Spinks new drama – beneficial for both atmosphere and warmth as the temperature wasn’t much better inside! The scene starts jovially as graduates and housemates, Simon and Jason, await the delivery of their joint purchase of a new sofa. Previously playground rivals, the two very different characters appear happy in their new home. Simon, who was the target of bullies, has hit the ground running with a flourishing career as an accountant. While writer Jason, one of said bullies, knocks back the gin before heading off to a shift at Tescos, but this disparity in luck is laughed off. Things soon begin to unravel, however, as we discover seemingly shy Simon has been taking money from an already strapped Jason and sabotaging his career in the meantime. Matters are not helped when Jason’s discovery of his discarded work leads to him revengefully cheating with his housemate’s girlfriend. From there the lies and backstabbing only escalates, culminating in a hilarious but disastrous family dinner.
The concept is original and although the conclusion is predictable the plot does not play out in an expected way. The characters have a complexity, rather than being the stereotypical former victim wanting one over on the popular bad boy. The script is also subtle, being extremely funny without trying too hard. This humour is embodied in a brilliant performance by Will Westerman (Jason) whose casual demeanour makes his off-hand jokes seem natural. Joseph D’Angelo (Gerald) takes the comedy to a new level as the hilariously inappropriate father-in-law. His increasingly insulting jokes make the second half of the play.
The cast as an entirety are excellent. As Simon, Jason Ryall seemed nervous to begin with, rushing some lines and not relaxing into his character as easily as Westerman. However, as the play progressed Ryall’s confidence settled in and any rigidity turned instead into neurotic character quirks. Caught between the housemates is Simon’s girlfriend, Jane (Polly Jordan). Jordan gets the tone of despairing girlfriend just right with a flawless performance. Her silent awkwardness during the family dinner adds to the atmosphere in a scene where all excel, captivating the outrageous humour and forced politeness which we can all relate too – the cringe-worthy comments of that uncle/father/granddad being still fresh in mind after Christmas.
It might be cold with the snow coming down even thicker but grab the wellies and brave it because this is not a show to be missed. With sharp humour and outstanding performances from all this is an impressive production. And if you need any more convincing, Flora Ogilvy is an excellent shot with the Neapolitan ice-cream!
By Carys Brain