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Family disputes at Christmas and reunions with estranged family members are hardly groundbreaking new territory in theatre, but Dancing to the Sound of Crunching Snails is so lovingly created and delivered that it carries with it a warmth and freshness all of its own.
So what’s it go to do with snails? Er, not that much. Well, a bit. But with a title like that it’s sure to put bums on seats right? As is the fact that the hour long play is directed by one Joyce Branagh, and stars the jolly Michael Starke (of Brookside fame.)
The simple story revolves around Katie (Catherine Kinsella), who with ingenous husband Sam (Andrew Grose) and pragmatic older sister Sara (Gemma Wardle) is nervously awaiting the Boxing Day arrival of the father she hasn’t seen since childhood (Starke). His entrance marks the start of a four way heart to heart that tears apart bad memories and realigns relationships.
Board games feature heavily in the set and script, and it’s against the backdrop of familiar games like Monopoly and Buckaroo that the more difficult family games are played out.
The cast of four are strong - making the most of the simple script - and characters are strongly developed under Branagh’s naturalistic direction. Starke is earnest as the estranged father hoping to clear his name, while Kinsella and Wardle form a suitably narky sisterly affection. Grose provides light relief as the troubled Sam, with an energetic performance tinged with sadness.
This is predominantly a play about family relationships – and the shells we build to protect ourselves from negative memories. Although as the play demonstrates, the shells can – like the memories - easily fall apart.
Take a look at my video blog here for a trailer and interview with Michael Starke talking about the play and the 24/7 Theatre Festival.
24/7 Theatre Festival, Manchester
Tin Can rating: 3/5
Written by: Joe Graham
Directed by: Joyce Branagh
Tags: dancing to the sound of crunching snails theatre joe graham joyce branagh 24/7 theatre festival
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