'Invincible' Review!

March 9, 2017 by Claire Cosgrove

Class issues are still a hotly debated & contentious subject in the UK. “Invincible” at The Palace Theatre this week, is no exception, with the North-South divide taking the main steer of this thought-provoking play, written by Torben Betts.

So, what happens when a young, middle-class family, out of economic necessity, moves to a working class street in the North of England? Southern couple, Oliver, with his pensive, liberal attitude and Emily, fierce with anger and devotion to the socialist cause, already have their work cut out trying to fit in. In a bid to merge into the community, they invite over the next door neighbours, Dawn and Alan, to their new home. As Emily passionately rants about Karl Marx and abstract art over a cup of herbal tea, in contrast, beer-bellied Alan stumbles over once the England match is over, with a box of beer, a lack of spatial awareness and a whole host of inappropriate comments.

I won’t spoil the story, but it has some poignant surprises as their lives are exposed. You realise by the end, they are fundamentally the same, both suffering and surviving in the best way they know how.

It was actually very funny. I have known a few Emily’s in my time (played beautifully by Emily Bowker). Earth Mothers who are hell bent on proving that we should all live in a meritocracy, governed by the masses. Idealists who are desperate to prove that they will stand side by side with the ‘ordinary people’ whatever the cost to them. You warm to her despite her rather dictatorial (ironic, really) attitude.

Oliver was perfectly played by Alastair Whatley, a seemingly down-trodden man who really does the unthinkable to get the love and respect he appears to crave. Dawn (Elizabeth Boag) and Alan (Graeme Brookes) are brilliantly crafted characters; loud, brash and unapologetically themselves. With their vulnerability exposed on more than one occasion, your heart goes out to them. Special love for Graeme Brookes, he made me laugh out loud with his fabulous comedy talent. A superb cast of four, all catching the mood and tension of the story.

The play had a touch of Alan Ayckbourn about it, with its splendid observational charm, along with the grit of Mike Leigh. It will make you cringe, laugh and cry in equal measures.

On until Saturday 11th March. Definitely worth heading to The Palace Theatre for some very provocative and thought-provoking theatre.

You can grab your tickets here!