A theatrical evening in two parts with David Bradley (Harry Potter’s “Filch”) playing both roles.
The first act comprises a dramatic monologue written by the great Russian writer Chekov. In a piece he called his favourite, a hen pecked husband dancing to his domineering wife’s tune is instructed to give a lecture on the harmful effects of smoking.
Husband, an enthusiastic smoker in the ‘David Hockney’ tradition uses this lecture as a means of settling scores with ‘her indoors’, standing up for himself and maintaining some dignity.
Smoking as such gets barely a mention!
Marital indignities are rehearsed in a funny sad way.
In a genius twist a subtle and very theatrical link is provided in the two pieces by David Bradley’s transformation on stage from husband into wife and so attired addresses her response to the husband’s subtle and snide complaints.
Spoken as a funeral oration the wife liberally and enthusiastically lists her husband’s shortcomings and how far short he fell in her expectations of him during their long marriage.
This is done while the widow happily chugs on a bottle of wine.
There are two sides to every story and love they say is a series of endless negotiations and accommodations .
Endurance perhaps, is the best revenge !
This is a seamless study in mutual incomprehension told from both sides.
Sad and believable as the nervous laughter among the audience suggested.
David Bradley demonstrates great understanding of the two contrasting personalities right down to the voices and nervous ticks of each character.
Writer Alison Carr of ‘Can Cause Death’ brilliantly commands her subject and the dynamic of the marriage.
The evening is an excellent theatrical experience.
It is short but carries a weighty punch.
When this show played at The National Theatre it sold out and I can see why!
The only regret I have is that its appearance in Newcastle on this occasion is only for two nights.
I hope that it will return soon with all the praise and celebration it deserves.
Alison Carr is a shrewd and accomplished writer.
Mr Chekov has found his soul partner in this study of a marriage .
On The Harmful Effects Of Tobacco / Can Cause Death by Anton Chekov and Alison Carr satrred David Bradley and played The Northern Stage (16th/17th February)
STAR RATING 9/10
Without doubt one of the most enjoyable and innovative pieces of theatre that I have had the priviledge of watching in some considerable time.David Bradburys characterisation of both husband and wife was as good as it gets and A pleasure to watch.There is however, no doubt that he had outstanding material to work with.Checkovs piece was matched in excellence word for word by Alisons Carrs moving,bitter sweet response by the wife.I have seen a number of works now by this talented young playwright and she gets better and better.I for one will be getting my ticket for both Live Theatre on 4 March and Past Glories at The Peoples that are featuring her new work.
David Bradley provided a masterclass in the art of conveying much by doing little. During these two monologues he held the audience spellbound with words and the tiniest of movement and gestures. It was a privilege to watch such a professional and talented actor at work. Plaudits must also go to the Director – the transformation scene was inspired and beautiful. The author of the companion piece, Alison Carr, achieved wonders in seamlessly creating the Wife’s story whilst echoing Chekhov’s style and telling of the Husband’s tale. An absolute treat.
I went to see ‘On The Harmful Effects of Tobacco last night with a group of friends and we were unanimous in our praise and enjoyment of the performance. Quality not quantity, David Bradley inhabited each character to make them human, recognisable and credible. The wonderful interlude that saw him adopt another gender and role was very moving and a fitting intro to the seamless second half, brilliantly and sensitively written by Alison Carr who managed to unite the couple by their disappointment, disenchantment, yet equally their inability to live with or without eachother.
What a brilliant idea, one surely with a lot of mileage, to take some of the great characters from theatre and present the other side of their coin.
I look forward to following Alison’s career which will surely take off after such a successful partnership with David Bradley.