Review: BAD JEWS, New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, May 3 2016

Family gatherings are frequently tarnished by disagreements; none more so than at weddings, christenings and funerals when extended families are often brought together. Joshua Harmon's play Bad Jews takes place following a family funeral and an heirloom belonging to the deceased is being fought over. This dark situational comedy is set in a plush studio apartment in Manhattan where cousins are staying overnight amidst the Jewish commemorations following their grandfather's passing.

Richard Kent's static set replicates the apartment and corridor outside; the location for all scenes throughout the one-act play. On the large New Alexandra Theatre stage, the small scale set has had to be boxed in as the show is used to playing in a lot smaller venues, even studio spaces: a strange choice of touring theatre for the play but the actors handled the large auditorium well.

The direction by Michael Longhurst is generally well done. Occasionally the performers seem a little clustered and sight line wise, any action taking place against the corridor wall inside the apartment is missed by a third of the audience. However, it is naturalistic in its entirety and the movement doesn't feel forced in any way.

There are only four characters in the play but each are very strong roles. Jonah is the quiet brother who doesn't like confrontation, Liam is the wayward other brother who didn't make it back for his Grandfather's funeral but returns on the evening with his Non-Jewish girlfriend Melody; and Daphna is the outspoken cousin who is supremely passionate about her heritage and wants nothing more than her Grandfather's chai.

Ailsa Joy as Daphna is exceptional. Her high energy and delivery of the text - including many lengthy monologues - is faultless. Daphna is an exasperating character with her enhanced ego but as a performance by an actor, Joy is pitch perfect. Liam, played by Ilan Goodman, gets easily wound up by Daphna and both have a stubbornness that won't back down. His neurotic persona found its feet as the play progressed but is rather intense and unbelievable to begin with. You can't help but feel sympathetic towards his girlfriend Melody, played by Antonia Kinlay. She sees a side to Liam that she hasn't seen before and understandably seems like a rabbit caught in the headlights throughout. Sadly she doesn't have a real opportunity to shine - aside from her hilarious rendition of 'Summertime' for different reasons. Jos Slovick as Jonah probably has the most difficult task of all being the silent type. He doesn't say much and tries to keep the peace so when he does speak up, it's a shock to everyone. Ironically, he is the one who does go on a journey, culminating in an emotional exchange at the end of the play.

Intelligent writing in the most part but over cooked in places.

Bad Jews plays at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 7 May 2016.

To post a comment, you must register and login.