(in parenthesis)

On Friday night, I went to see my friend Adam’s performance as the joint lead of (in parenthesis). The play is unique in that the characters are suspended in climbing harnesses from the ceiling of a specially constructed stage, being victims of a climbing accident that has taken place some time before (I presume a while, since the characters appear quite settled in their predicament, and the only shock comes when they begin to realise their possible fate). The entire play was solid and the idea superb, but it almost falls into a predictable rut. We’ve all seen situations where characters are marooned or in some inescapable situation, and before long talk inevitably runs through humour, despair, regret and the questions of what is to come. In this, however, (in parenthesis) is redeemed in the way that Frank, Adam’s character, is used as a moral compass for the other lead before being disposed of in an original and moving way.

I don’t think I am being bias towards my friend when I say that he was the best actor in the show… in fact, this review from Music OMH says of the double-header

Both plays are very well acted, with Adam Sopp as the unfortunate Frank in [in parenthesis] and Syrus Lowe as Baron, the more morally grounded of the three lads in Overspill, leaving the most lasting impression.

… and Adam is a an experienced actor (and the current voice of Harry Potter on the Playstation games!) so you might expect good things, but I can say without question that it is infinitely surreal to see you friend hanging dead in a harness for approximately fifteen minutes.