If you have ever wondered what the afterlife consisted of, Rambunctious Scallywag has an interesting suggestion as to what it could be. Two ex-lovers, Nancy and David, have passed away with months in between them and have not seen each other in years. They end up stuck with each other for eternity, unless they can find a way to resolve all their issues and the respective paths they took in life. Through the use of serious drama, light-hearted moments, vinyl, and strange puppets, will they find a way through and reconcile their differences?
Interestingly, in the first instance, the piece as a whole is a sturdy, strong structure, but some things did stack up against the dynamic duo on this occasion. Firstly, the energy for the first half of the piece seemed flatter than expected. That is, it seemed to be one tone with no emotional variety until the second half, when it ramped up into more realistic, human reactions as the realisations of what the ex-couple’s choices were became a reality. Only then did they elevate their performance. What also went against them was that despite there being mics to elevate their voices and the festival DJ being told to shut down during the show, the music seemed to continue vibrating through the venue, drowning the actors’ voices on occasion. What may help this show overall is an actual theatre venue with the right technical support to heighten the show and give it the gravitas it truly deserves. This perhaps might give the company more confidence to play with their vocals by being in the right environment.
Aside from these thoughts, For The Record gave Farrah Alice Black and Felix Berendse a strong platform to showcase their writing skills and develop the natural chemistry between the pair of them. Whilst the comedic moments were overshadowed by the memories reflected, Black and Berendse respectively threw themselves into the drama and drew us into this strange power game they created.
Black, in the first instance, shared a dream-like state as she spread her wings when her character Nancy moved out of Brighton unexpectedly. Wanting to be a music journalist, yet ending up on a completely different course, gave Black the chance to be free creatively and allow herself to fly the nest as a performer. She needed to trust her ability in the text created to really sell the idea of following her dreams and heart, but as a basis, it was a good choice to play her neutral to begin with.
As for Berendse’s safe, yet egotistical David, whilst he developed a character that was a natural to take centre stage, he likewise needed to trust his vulnerability to come out when needed to balance out the bravado created. What worked well, however, was the inner strength he had as he argued his choice to work at his uncle’s firm. It was a matter of fact, yet validated by the need to be acknowledged by women and his coworkers.
For The Record has excellent potential to really be developed as a strong two-hander. If they take on board the change of venue and develop trust in the material created, an insightful and creative show is on their hands. I am looking forward to seeing how this show continues its journey.
Reviewed by Sascha Cooper
Nancy and David are dead. And even worse, they are stuck in the same room together for all eternity, unless they can come to an agreement. Through creating a timeline of music from their lifetime of memories, they uncover whether their lives and loves could have ever worked out differently. They quickly learn that if they are not honest with their feelings, the way out of the room will lead somewhere… unusual, certainly not the afterlife they’d expected.
For The Record is an emotional and comedic exploration of the afterlife, secrets, and regrets. With a mystical door, cryptic vinyl player, and mysterious puppets, could the-one-that-got-away have ever been The One, if only they had met at the right time?
Salt Air Stories is a brand new production company, made up of passionate storytellers who want to explore myths and fables in all of their forms.
Join us around the campfire.
From the creative minds behind OffFest Nominated comedy, Rambunctious Scallywag:
Cast & Creative Team
Writer/ Performer / Producer – Farrah Alice Black
Writer/ Performer / Creative Director – Felix Berendse
Production Manager – Shark Stunell
Marketing Assistant – Harmony Kinnear
Tech Assistant – Elliott O’Brien