Review by Jen
The Pitch by Philip Catherwood tells the story of three young people in Northern Ireland as a referendum approaches. When sports-obsessed Robbie loses his beloved football pitch to a Gaelic football team, everything he feels certain of is thrown into disarray as tensions rise between unionists and nationalists in Belfast.
This show is fantastic from the start. James Grimm as Robbie and Jake Douglas as Deren bring a youthful and vibrant energy to the stage the moment they set foot on it. Capturing the energetic back-and-forth that is typical of many teenage friendships, and the well-meant mockery characteristic of football lads, Grimm and Douglas complement each other beautifully. The final component of the play is Robbie’s sister Melissa (Dión Di Maio), another ball of energy who has the audience in stitches throughout the show. Di Maio brings a real likeability to this role; with her ‘five-phase plan’ to get the boy she fancies and her never-ending stream of witty comebacks, Melissa is a charmingly tangible character. Together with fast-paced transitions accompanied by synth music, and excellent direction from Thea Mayeux, these three performers work together to create a dynamic and exhilarating hour of theatre. Their relationships feel absolutely real, particularly the awkward chemistry between Deren and Robbie that is irresistibly endearing.
Yet something far more serious lurks at the heart of this show. Explored through the microcosm of GAA and ‘normal’ football, The Pitch addresses the wider friction in a city where historic tensions run deep. These are families that have lost loved ones in The Troubles, and, facing another referendum in an imagined near-future Belfast, fear they may lose more should Belfast become part of the Republic of Ireland. Caught between opposing sides, Robbie, Deren and Melissa are three teenagers attempting to navigate their individual futures in an era of great uncertainty. Philip Catherwood balances context and content beautifully, giving us an insight into how a united Ireland would change not only these characters’ cultural identity, but also the minutiae of their everyday lives. The blossoming relationship between Deren and Robbie is written exquisitely; born into families with opposing views, the pair are stubbornly reluctant to become friends. Yet, drawn together by their love for football and their growing affection for each other, Robbie and Deren overcome the political division that has kept them apart, realising they both simply want to play the sport they love in the city they were raised in.
Equal parts hilarious and poignant, The Pitch is not to be missed. Produced by Moya Jane Productions, it plays at The Pleasance Baby Grand from August 5th-31st at 2pm. Book tickets here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Post a Comment