REVIEW: TOGETHER WE'RE HEAVY, Cock Tavern Theatre, October 1 2009

Photo: Carl Glancey

At first glance, Rob (Jai Lynch) seems a pretty decent bloke. True, he has a dead-end job, he still lives with his mum (Jean Apps), and he has essentially been expelled from tap-dancing class, but he's sweet and thoughtful and it's hard not to wonder why the object of his affections, winsome neighbour Lorraine (Miranda Keeling) isn't with him instead of her unpleasant boyfriend Walter (a marvellously invidious turn from Austin Spangler).

Were this an average romantic comedy, of course, that's exactly what we'd expect to happen by the time the curtain call comes around, but writer Chris Purnell has much darker plans in store for his characters. When new neighbour and personal trainer Gary (Alex Papadakis) comes into Rob's life, Rob vows to get in shape and get the girl, but eventually both of his obsessions spiral out of control.

The big twist in the plot is so heavily signposted early on that most attentive audience members will see it coming, and the character of Lorraine is disappointingly underwritten in parts, but director Tanith Lindon manages to keep the tension up nonetheless, and our tenacity is eventually rewarded by a much better and more interesting swerve in the final scene. There are also some pleasing performances, particularly from Lynch, who does an excellent job with the tricky central role and holds up the show admirably even when the plotting sometimes lets him down.

Together We're Heavy is at the c*ckTavern Theatre until 24 October 2009.