Chesil Theatre
Chesil Theatre, Winchester
Mark Ponsford
19 January 2025
Take a small group of well-off (and faintly entitled) characters, give them a simple elegant interior setting, put some nibbles on the table, throw in some escalating tensions and arguments… It’s a pretty safe bet that you’ve alighted on yet another play by Yasmina Reza, and anyone familiar with either Art or the more savage God Of Carnage will already have an idea of what to expect. In Art, the catalyst was the ludicrous canvas; in God Of Carnage, a child’s pet (I have an abiding memory of Matthew Kelly, in a production at the late lamented Nuffield Theatre, bellowing “F**K THE HAMSTER!” with such terrifying ferocity that it remains, for me, the most vivid moment of the evening). In Life X 3, there’s the excruciating panic engendered by a mixed-up dinner invitation, and although I’d chance my arm by suggesting that while Alan Ayckbourn might still gather votes for being Top Dog at capturing such edgy domestic scenarios, it can hardly be disputed that Reza’s work, in Christopher Hampton’s elegant and skilful translations, still packs a mighty effective punch.
Life X 3, like its predecessors, is eloquent, elegant, high-class entertainment, and Flavia Bateson’s exquisitely observed production at the Chesil (running until January 25th) could hardly be bettered. The acting is as fine as ever we’ve come to expect from this first-class company, and the action is played out on a simple yet beautiful set. (The design team at the Chesil continue to produce astonishing work, and I’d like to think that detailed records of their sets are safely archived.)
To say too much would be to give away/anticipate the development of each section of the piece, but suffice it to say that you’ll remain involved and intrigued throughout the play’s uninterrupted 90 minutes duration. There are some good laughs along the way, but there’s also much thought-provoking conflict – it’s a play ripe for discussion, not least with regard to the occasional “triggering” line, probably more effective than ever in the current clime!
The acting in this 4-hander ensemble piece is pitch-perfect, the performers consistently aware of each other, and bringing superb pacing, light and shade throughout. Kudos aplenty to Michele Zadra, Lauren Grierson, Steve Clark and Rachel O’Neill for bringing a level of work and expertise that collectively sets yet another benchmark for the Chesil Theatre.