On our arrival at the Pegasus, the front of house staff gave everyone an orange with the instruction “do whatever you want with it”. So with curiosity well and truly raised, we settled down to watch Delirum Theatre Company’s Oranges on the Brain.
Joe Graham’s script was picked from the many responses received from a nationwide call for new material put out by the company in March, and I must say that they picked a winner. Oranges is an allusive and engrossing story that will speak to many people. Though it has some dark themes there is also much joy and fun in this unusual piece.
Duncan and Thea (James Groom and Sarah Maguire) are a devoted couple, very comfortable with each other, full of fun and sparkiness. But Duncan, an artist, has become more than usually erratic and has developed a burning ambition to create the perfect smoothie. Thea is confused by the uncharacteristic tetchiness of her partner, the messy smoothie experiments and the great piles of different fruits taking over their flat.
I don’t want to reveal the reason behind Duncan’s mania (spoilers!) but will say that the way his motivation is disclosed as the play moves forward is very skilful. This isn’t a simply told story by any means — the company employ sound, video, and soundscapes to great effect. Dance and drawing also feature. It is a treat for all the senses — including smell! The colour and fragrance of all the fresh fruit was marvellous. Engaging performances from the cast of two, outstanding technical ability from the backstage team (Alex Lewer, lighting, Colin J Smith, video, Will Tonna, sound) and impeccable direction (Oliver Kaderbhaj) have created an innovative and intriguing show.
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