The Nantwich Players Studio team are back with their latest production, Bull by Mike Bartlett.
This production does come with a warning, as some of the themes explored include psychological bullying, gaslighting and emotional cruelty.
The studio space gives The Players opportunity to explore different stories, and Bull is a great example of this.
Set within an executive meeting room we meet three ambitious colleagues who are fighting to save their jobs, whilst waiting to find out which one of them will be made redundant.
It’s an intense and challenging play to watch, as Isobel and Tony played by Sarah Shillito and Ali Somers start teasing and bullying Thomas played by Ben Callas almost immediately.
The torment builds gradually, and they pick on every aspect of his life, including his clothes, appearance and background.
As Thomas grows more embarrassed and uncomfortable, the bullying becomes more intense.
They are soon joined by their boss, Carter who was played by Chris Finney, who has the power to make the ultimate decision on who stays and who goes.
Instead of supporting Thomas, he shows little sympathy and views the redundancy process as a survival of the fittest.
The set had limited colour, a black box with a strip of red light running around it, marking out a space like a boxing ring.
It’s a stark environment; the audience are made to feel like spectators at a fight.
Directed by Bethany Gail, the cast did an amazing job. The use of space and movement was superb and added to the tension at every stage.
At one point Tony and Isobel seemed to circle Thomas as if they were sharks, revealing their true nature and intent.
This is not a comfortable night at The Players, but it is a compelling one.
When a production makes you question society and the darker sides of human nature, you know it’s a mark of theatre well done.
Bull is running until 12th April at The Players Theatre, Love Lane.
(Written by Claire Faulkner)
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