Lunch - A Review By Paul Brandreth

One table, one bench and low lighting, sets the stage at Preston’s Korova Cafe for RLT Productions’ performance of Lunch by Stephen Berkoff. Adam Urey (Tom) and Susie Milne (Mary) set the bar high entering with trade mark painted faces they deliver a master class in physical theatre. The chance meeting of two strangers during their lunch break immediately throw intense emotions at the already trapped audience, allowed only to be witnesses to the beautifully twisted imagery Berkoff presents. Urey’s use of his body and voice is powerful and precise and from the opening ‘she’s beautiful... who is she waiting for?’ the sexual animalistic desire is uncovered and thrust upon the bystander Mary. The constant shift of dominance and submission between the two characters mixed with Berkoff’s stark vulgar and honest wordplay fused with accurately stamped dry humour from both Urey and Milne becomes explosive yet eloquently danced. Milne’s equally excellent portrayal of Mary provides a balanced tight rope act swaying between attraction and disgust for Tom, highlighted by Mary’s vivid thankfulness that her husband has saved her from ‘gang bang angels leather winged’. An insincere sentiment to shadow her deep dark desires. This artful experience will stay with me for a while and I encourage others to endure the wonders of Berkoff.