Theatre Review: Spinach - King's Head Theatre ✭✭✭✭
Spinach
King's Head Theatre
Friday 15th June 2012: Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here? Who is that behind me?
These are the questions faced by two apparent strangers when they wake up disorientated with no recollection of how they got there.
Kate and Tom find themselves in a cellar, tied up with their backs to each other.
At first they are suspicious, blaming the other for their predicament but as they try and remember the past few days they realise they are not random strangers and need to work together to ensure their freedom.
Cassandra Compton has an incredible voice and portrays Kate, the vegetarian do-gooder who likes to help the homeless, with a unique elegance. She is believable and it is easy for the audience to sympathise with her.
Ben Gerrard, who plays Tom, is cast well in this role. He increasingly becomes closer to Kate and there is great chemistry between the two. Gerrard also complements Compton’s voice successfully and helps add to the comic value of the performance.
Claire Greenway stars as Maureen, Tom’s colleague who is obsessed with cleanliness. Some of Greenways best moments are when the spotlight is on her and she is able to shine in her own right, adding humour and the sax to the mix.
Craig Whittaker portrays Darren, Tom’s colleague and friend, with such vigour and boldness that it is impossible not to be drawn to him as he empowers the stage in most of his scenes.
Cassandra Compton has an incredible voice and portrays Kate, the vegetarian do-gooder who likes to help the homeless, with a unique elegance. She is believable and it is easy for the audience to sympathise with her.
Ben Gerrard, who plays Tom, is cast well in this role. He increasingly becomes closer to Kate and there is great chemistry between the two. Gerrard also complements Compton’s voice successfully and helps add to the comic value of the performance.
Claire Greenway stars as Maureen, Tom’s colleague who is obsessed with cleanliness. Some of Greenways best moments are when the spotlight is on her and she is able to shine in her own right, adding humour and the sax to the mix.
Craig Whittaker portrays Darren, Tom’s colleague and friend, with such vigour and boldness that it is impossible not to be drawn to him as he empowers the stage in most of his scenes.
Janine Waters, the writer and director, along with Simon Waters, the composer, has created a show which is witty, unnerving, funny, full of tension, enjoyable and most importantly unique. Even though the entire script is sung, Spinach does not fall under the typical category of a musical or an opera.
I would definitely recommend seeing Spinach; it has all the necessary ingredients, including a great set, with the big reveal a highlight of the show.
I would definitely recommend seeing Spinach; it has all the necessary ingredients, including a great set, with the big reveal a highlight of the show.
4 out of 5 stars ✭✭✭✭
Review by Unsa Chaudri
All photos by Claire Bilyard
Spinach
King’s Head Theatre
115 Upper Street
London
N1 1QN
Tuesday 12 June - Saturday 7 July
Press Night: Friday 15 June at 7.15pm
Tuesday - Saturday at 7.15pm
Sunday matinee at 3.00pm
Tickets: £15.00 - 22.50
Previews:Tuesday 12 - Friday 15 June all seats £10.00
Box office: 020 7478 0160
