By Isle of Wight Observer
by Philip Fryer
Gwen Stevens bravely directed the first-ever performance of Radical Change, with the ambitious theme presented by three main protagonists.
Jake James Harrison, as Karl, starts head-to-head with Donna Thornal, as Elizabeth, disagreeing over the sound level of his 1980s record player. The discussion quickly morphs into Karl’s ambitions to overthrow the establishment and replace capitalism with communism. Elizabeth bargains: “I’ll listen to your plan in return for four days’ peace.”
After some resistance, she gets her way but she still supports him at a peaceful demo, where Mark Duffus, superbly portraying a PC, attacks him brutally while revealing he is in love with Karl’s sister.
Act Two takes place about 40 years later. Karl, reverting to his real name, Jonathan, and Elizabeth have married. He is CEO of a successful investment company, while Elizabeth reflects on what has been lost, with the climb to middle class lacking the romance and appeal of the aspiring rebel. Henry, the policeman, has also undergone a total redefinition. Mark’s skill is as astounding as Jake’s and Donna’s in portraying these changes.
The themes are presented with faultless high-speed dialogue, sometimes ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny, at other times more of a quiet mental chuckle.
Elizabeth blames herself for steering Karl towards conformity. She has remained largely unchanged, rational as ever, smart and lovable.
‘Spoiler’ rules prevent me from revealing the shock at the end. I was half-way home in my car before I twigged that it was all meaningless when measured against the fragile perfection of a life well lived and holding to firm principles.
This play is true, absorbing, entertainment – and so much more.
You can still catch the final performances of this thought-provoking play at Apollo Theatre in Newport tonight (Friday) and tomorrow. Tickets available via iw.observer/radical-change.
