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Vickers and Sam are products of the old Leeds of high-rise flats, smoke-filled pubs and corner off-licences. Vickers feels most at home travelling round the city on the buses, patrolling - in his mind defending the city. He feels alienated from the new Leeds of riverside apartments, wine bars and trendy night clubs. He resents the residents of that new world, especially when they invade his territory, ride on his buses. Anna and Ben are from that new world. Anna is confident, vibrant, looking for excitement. When Anna and Vickers meet it is collision of two very different worlds, which one will be left standing?
This is a short one act four-hander presented as part of the 'Northern Exposure' season. The action is supplemented by city scapes of Leeds projected onto a screen at the back of the stage, and a raw, energetic soundtrack culled from the work of local bands. The set consists of two rows of bus seats, one either side of the stage, with the action switching from left to right representing the players travelling on different buses.
There is little humour in the piece, which relies heavily on the development of and interactions between the four characters rather than action or storytelling.
Nick Bagnall was the star of the show as Vickers, playing the part of the angry young misfit superlatively well (this type of character seems to be very much his forte). Louise Howells was excellent as the self-assured Anna, bored with her boyfriend, who gives Vickers a glimpse into the world that he both resents and envies. Belinda Everett also gave a highly creditable performance as Sam, Vickers eager to please girlfriend, approaching her part with great enthusiasm. Simon Harrison also gave a good account in the least meaty of the four roles, as Ben.
I found little to admire in this production other than the excellence of the performances. The script, heavy on dialogue, was rather pedestrian and made little of the clash of cultures which it was meant to explore. Ultimately, a disappointment.