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Vincent, his first name and his last, and neither (or in other words a nom faux), is a working class cockney who lives in a flat over a chinese takeaway in Shepherds Bush. He works for an organisation called 'Exodus' providing a service of assisted suicide to those tired of life, a job which he takes great professional pride in. Vincent arrives at the Bryce Mansion in his professional capacity where he is welcomed by Walter Bryce who has called upon his professional services on behalf of his wife Celia. Celia not only wants to die, she wants a suicide pact with Walter since they always go everywhere together. Walter, on the other hand, would much rather survive to start a new life with his mistress Angie. Add in to the mix Withers, a well meaning but tactless Samaritan whom Walter has called to try to talk his wife out of suicide and the scene is set for hilarity as Vincent struggles to understand for whom his services are required in his most confusing working day ever.
The well constructed set was a representation of the Bryce's living room, dominated with tiers of bookshelves, and with patio doors opening to an unseen garden beyond. Central to the room were a leather couch with accompanying coffee table, to the left was a fully stocked drinks trolley, whilst to the right was a single armchair with an office desk/computer station in the corner.
The comedy comes mainly from the dialogue and the situations, with much being made of Vincent's initial confusion over just whom it was that required his services. The first act is little slow but the action gathers pace after the interval as the plot begins to twist and turn.
Mike Bellenie on his debut for BLT lead the way giving us a strangely likeable Vincent somewhat redolent of Harold Steptoe, showing impressive comic timing and talent. Allan Hollings gave a journeyman performance as the mildy neurotic long-suffering husband Walter Bryce whilst Anthony Leach was suitably befuddled as the rather bumbling Withers. Helen Procter gave us an acceptable Angie but Linda Marshall stood out as the suicidally controlling wife Celia.
A stylish and darkly comic tale with enough humour to keep you chuckling throughout.