ED2011 2/5 Reviews ED2011 Theatre Reviews

Just Before Sleep (American High School Theatre Festival)

By | Published on Wednesday 31 August 2011

A play about a homeless family fighting against the system is always going to struggle with its boringly worthy subject matter, and ‘Just Before Sleep’ never escapes it. Set in an American anytown, we follow a family down on their luck, but remember, “It’s not their fault!” The play goes to such lengths to ensure that it’s no-one’s fault, in fact, that it becomes unbelievable, with even the fire sub-plot fizzling out damply. Considering the script, Shae McCarthy and Kyle Forbes do well as mother and son, but the supporting cast cannot rise above the stagey dialogue and clichéd characters. Too worthy to be fun and not dark enough to be meaningful, it’s just dull.

Church Hill Theatre, 19 – 22 Aug, times vary, £5.00, fpp273.
tw rating 2/5
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