Plymouth Theatre Review

Title of Show: ‘Low Pay, Don’t Pay’

Date of attendance: 13/03/2024

Venue: The Watermark

Production Type: Play

Easy to follow: 5/5

Family friendly: 3/5

Must see: 4/5

In a resonating ode to the working class Low Pay, Don’t Pay by Dario Fo performed by the Tamaritans Theatre company, serves as a poignant and timely commentary on the struggles of the working class. Set in a time of great economical unrest and political upheaval, the play delves into the absurdities of survival within a political system that often exploits and villainises the lower class. Directed by Steve Baker, Low Pay, Don’t Pay summons you to into Fo’s world of farcical comedy and invites you to reflect on how this classic play is still relevant today. 

Showcasing seamless teamwork and an unwavering commitment to storytelling, The Tamaritans demonstrated impeccable comedic timing, a strong sense of camaraderie and synergy on stage throughout. With a stellar performance from Sarah Jones as the determined and charismatic Antonia, she perfectly captured Antonia’s strength, wit and determination for justice and left the audience in stitches alongside the hilarious Rhea Preston as Maggie. Preston’s portrayal of Maggie was both charming and hilariously funny. By infusing her role with wit, charm and sharp comedic timing she kept the audience captivated, laughing and cringing along with her. Her facial expressions and presence on stage were as hilarious as they were engaging.  Together, they formed a dynamic duo, showcasing their comedic chemistry with depth & hilarity, leaving the audience roaring with laughter. 

Giovanni, portrayed by Clive Lovett, was a strong motivating force. Initially representing a more conservative view, his characters journey was delightfully presented through both physical and verbal comedy. Lovett flawlessly portrayed the inner struggles of his character and his robust performance delighted and amused throughout.

Another notable performance was that of Luke, portrayed by James Allwood, whose understanding of the character provided depth and authenticity to his performance. Allwood brought the character of Luke alive with conviction and enthusiasm, inviting the audience to share in both his confusion and underlying vulnerability and eliciting both shared frustration and empathy from the audience. 

Supporting actors, Alfie Hurst and Rob Howard portrayed multiple characters each in a skilled and varied way. Hurst’s portrayal of Sergeant/Inspector/Undertaker was nothing short of genius, displaying impeccable comedic timing, fast wit, charm and authority. He excellently captured the absurdity of each character and infused them with their own sense of underlying cunning, intelligence and finesse, eliciting laughter at every turn. Howard’s portrayal of the Old man/Constable/Looter was equally impressive, with his versatile playful approach making him a delight to watch.

Steve Bakers attention to detail and skills in directing fast paced comedy shone throughout the production which maintained a brisk pace throughout. Baker also demonstrated a keen understanding of space, utilising the stage and environment to its full potential. His artistic choices with regard to set and props use elevated the overall impact of the production. The inventive set design was deeply rich and detailed, showcasing his commitment to authenticity as well as contributing to the immersive and cohesive theatrical experience. 

Some strong stand-out moments, including the constable and his bumbling antics which provided pure comedy gold, the inspector and the entire scene with the cupboard was hilarious to watch as was the artificial respiration (performed by Sarah Jones) which had the audience rolling in laughter and delight at this funny and absurd scene.

Overall, ‘Low pay, Don’t pay’ delivered a great farcical experience that really captured the spirit of Fo’s play. The Tamaritans seamlessly blended fast paced comedy, sharp wit and biting social commentary that amused and entertained from start to finish, reaffirming the enduring relevance and lasting impact of Dario Fo’s timeless masterpiece.