大象传媒

The Opposite of Claustrophobic is the first production by IgnitionStage, a new Manchester theatre company founded by three lecturers from Salford University鈥檚 department of English and Drama.

Telling the tale of the unusual relationship which develops between uber-anxious housewife Ann and her inept burglar Joe, the play by new writer Rob Johnston was a good choice for the company鈥檚 debut.

The dialogue throughout was sharp and punctuated by moments of pure Britishness - who else would sit down to tea with an intruder? The characters were well developed and though the relationship which formed between them was unusual, it was ultimately plausible and tender to watch.

The production could have easily been played out as straight realism, but it was given an interesting twist by the non-naturalistic design that director Frances Piper brought to the set. A suspended sink and floating objects all giving the hint of the everyday turned on its head.

With the Opposite of Claustrophobic, IgnitionStage have begun their mission to bring new writing talent to a new audience in Manchester. If their ability to turn this play into something both convincing and intriguing is anything to go by, it is surely a sign of good things to come.

The Opposite of Claustrophobic is at the Didsbury Studio Theatre until Sat 10 Nov. Tickets听 are 拢7