Fate or coincidence. That is the premise for Owen Thomas's play briefly re-appearing at the Gate Theatre. Two seemingly unconnected strangers meet on a ferry crossing, exchange pleasantries then uncover the fact that they share the same name.
The livelier Richard Parker, an unhesitantly mesmorising performance by Gareth John Bale, reveals his extraordinary theories about coincidences leading to the revelation that he KNOWS the ferry will capsize and chooses to take his namesake prisoner for reasons that would ruin the interesting and unexpected plot.
Naturally his predictions come to pass and we are sent hurtling towards a dramatic climax. The fact that the Greek tragic-style twist is guessable, does not detract from the quality of the writing and the high level of acting. Alistair Sill's Richard Parker is a more hesitant, less certain man constantly re-acting to the surprising utterances from his captor. His increasing frustration and desperation was perfectly portrayed and contrasts well with the assured,calm, everything is pre-destined manner of his namesake.
I am not a great fan of the Gate theatre but Gareth Bale ( this time with his director's hat on ) judged it perfectly by reducing the props to two benches and placing all the action at the front of the stage. This ensured that most of the dialogue could be heard clearly in contrast to most of the productions I have previously seen there.
The key to the success of any show is how it is received by the paying customers. I sat in front of a man who drowned out some of the dialogue by laughing constantly ( did I mention it was very funny) and members of the audience audibly gasped when a ( strangely large) gun dramatically appeared. It is also refreshing to see a play that doesn't overstay its welcome. " Richard Parker" lasts just over and hour and actually left me wanting more, always a good sign.
Having just survived my 12th Edinburgh festival I am pleased that Cwmni Theatre 3D are planning to take this show to next year's fringe as it deserves a wider audience and would stand out as one of the stronger pieces of theatre. A must-see.
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