REVIEW: BREAST BARING by Jacob Newton at Lion and Unicorn theatre 26 - 30 Sep 2023

‘A delight to watch’ ★★★★

One of the many benefits of attending pub theatre is having the opportunity to sample and experience fresh work from creatives who are starting out in their theatrical careers. Dawn Train Theatre Company’s debut production, Breast Baring, is a wonderful example of this, as they take a simple love story and ignite it with original ideas, youthful dialogue and a live band.

Set mainly in a small cafe, the play unfolds like a coming-of-age teen drama as socially awkward barista Annabel (played by Anna Francis) becomes enamoured with assured co-worker Mary (Alice Wolff-Whitehouse). Annabelle, inspired by a historical pirate character in Mary’s writing, finds a new found confidence which not only changes her as a person but also how others treat her, in turn impacting her potential relationship with Mary.

While the story itself is fairly uncomplicated, the telling of it is what makes it so enjoyable. Director Lucinda Freeburn uses a variety of innovative methods to convey the text, whether that’s the band’s drummer beating incessantly on the table to symbolise the cafe’s aggravating customers or the organising of colour coordinated cups to express the making of coffee. Each scene is skillfully painted in a manner that suggests that Freeburn has far more experience than the credits listed on her CV.

By providing such a wonderful canvas, Freeburn is able to accentuate some commendable acting performances. Francis is impeccable in the lead role, perfectly delivering the timid and uncomfortable nuances of Annabel which make her so likeable. Wolff-Whitehouse compliments her with a confident stage presence each time Mary enters while Nathan Whitebrook is abundantly antagonising in the role of irritant Cliff. Even the live band chip in with some stellar cameos, including lead singer Susannah Cann as pirate heroine Anne.

None of the aforementioned qualities would be possible without a script of similar merit. Jacob Newton’s debut work is wonderfully crafted and they ably transmit the anxious relationship Annabel has with herself and others. Their use of dream sequences and audience engagements helps further develop the character and are used sparingly enough that they never feel overbearing or affect the pace of the story.

While the play runs fluidly from start to finish, there are a couple of minor bumps in the plot which could be improved. Mary’s opinion of Annabel’s ill-mannered treatment of Cliff seems a little unwarranted given her own opinions of him and slightly dilutes our willingness for the couple to get together. The ending is also up for debate as to whether it rounds out the story in a satisfactory manner. However, neither points negate too much from the overall enjoyment.

Considering the simplicity of the story, it is remarkable how varied and fulfilling this overall production is. Every scene offers something new to experience and each is as entertaining as it is heartwarming. Breast Baring is a delight to watch and the result of a very successful collaborative effort.

BREAST BARING at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 26 - 30 Sep

Box Office: https://www.thelionandunicorntheatre.com/whats-on

Dawn Train Theatre Company on Twitter: @DawnTrainTC

Writer: Jacob Newton

Director: Lucinda Freeburn

Movement Director/Co-Director: Annabel Lisk

Cast

Annabel: Anna Francis

Mary: Alice Wolff-Whitehouse

Cliff: Nathan Whitebrook

Band: Susannah Cann, Loris Scarpa, Sam Lightfoot-Loftus

Reviewed by John Montgomery