FOUR MINUTES TWELVE SECONDS by James Fritz – Trafalgar Studios 2 until 5th December

★★★★★

Can four people’s lives be shattered when an abominable act, which took just Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, is filmed, later uploaded, and shared? This intelligent play demonstrates just that. Written by James Fritz it has just transferred from Hampstead Theatre to Trafalgar Studios 2 this piece has you gripped from the start.

Photo Credit  Ikin Yum

A plain set greets you, the opening is dynamic, from a blackout two actors appear, an ordinary mother and father having a conversation about their son? The dialogue is witty, with some great one-liners wonderfully delivered. All appears light and good natured, however this is just lulling you into a false sense of security unaware of the darkness and deep subject matter to come.

There are just four actors in this play Kate Maravan (Di) Jonathan McGuiness (David) Ria Zmitrowicz (Cara) Anyebe Godwin (Nick). Maravan and McGuiness who are the Mother and Father work so well together that it’s almost as if you have walked into someone’s lounge, sat down and joined in the conversation. Which is why this piece is so excitingly fresh, the cleverly crafted script is charming, powerful and interesting to watch.

Photo Credit Ikin Yum

As the story unfolds you swing from supporting each character and each time a new line of thought arises you believe that this is the true one. The acting and direction (Anna Ledwich) are superb and compliment. The highlighting of a cyber lifestyle, that we all seem to be living these days, with the need to share everything we are doing and the unconsciousness that once uploaded into the stratosphere there is no going back, makes for a fascinating evening of entertainment.

Photo Credit Ikin Yum

Zmitrowicz (Cara) whose character was full of anger, defiant to make her ordeal understood and believed played it perfectly. Godwin’s role whilst small is another integral part to the play.

At just eighty-five minutes with no interval this hard-hitting, potent piece of new writing is arguably one of the most thought-provoking plays I’ve had the privilege to see this year. I’d encourage you all to go and take it in before it ends, it’s brief stay at the Trafalgar Studios.

The irony of once I publish this review of it’s non retractable status has not been lost on me. However this five-star piece of riveting and thrilling writing by James Fritz warrants good audiences and people to be open to being challenged in their thought process. So I’m comfortable making my decision to upload it but could you equally say that you are happy with all of your recent media shares?

FOUR MINUTES TWELVE SECONDS by James Fritz – Trafalgar Studios 2 until 5th December

★★★★★