ART
Tuesday 1st – Saturday 5th October 2024 – Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
With its mix of humour and intellectual depth, ART is a standout piece of contemporary theatre that brilliantly captures the complexities of male friendship in an entertaining and relatable way.
ART is a witty and insightful play that centres around three friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan, whose long-standing friendship is put to the test when Serge buys an all-white painting for a whopping £200,000. What seems like a simple purchase soon sparks an intense argument. Marc is horrified by the artwork, calling it pretentious, while Yvan tries to keep the peace as tensions rise.
What starts as a discussion about art quickly spirals into a deeper examination of loyalty, integrity and friendship. The trio’s differing opinions reveal the cracks in their 15-year relationship, turning the debate over a painting into a clash of personalities and values. As emotions flare, the play’s sharp dialogue and clever humour keep the laughs coming.
The cast brings this clever and dry humour to life with impeccable timing. Chris Harper, known to audiences as Coronation Street’s Nathan Curtis and Geoffrey in Call The Midwife, plays Serge, a self-assured dermatologist with an eye for social climbing and debatable taste in art. Christ Harper embodies Serge, adding real depth to the play and one hilarious moment of physical comedy that audience members were still laughing about when they left the theatre.
Aden Gillett, best known from The Crown and The House of Elliot, plays Marc who is appalled by Serge’s pretention and extravagant purchase. He delivers each line with nuance, whether he is losing his temper, projecting insults or reflecting on his bad behaviour, making his character feel the most real.
The third in the mix is Yvan, played by Seann Walsh, a talented comedian who has performed on Live At The Apollo, The Wheel, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Last Leg and Series 22 of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here where he placed 5th.
Yvan is hilariously frazzled, trying to mediate between his bickering friends while also planning a wedding. Walsh’s facial expressions and physical comedy, especially during his lengthy monologues, draw some of the biggest laughs of the night, adding a fun layer to the unfolding chaos.
The dialogue is fast-paced, witty and filled with sharp banter, gaining plenty of laughs, gasps and even applause. ART is a clever exploration of how friendships evolve and fracture over the years, with each of the cast members getting a chance to shine in this tight, well-crafted production.
Originally premiered in 1994, ART has been celebrated globally, winning Olivier, Tony and Moliere Awards for Best Comedy. Its exploration of human relationships through the lens of art has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it performances in over 30 languages.
The simple and small set is very effective, rotating between three rooms, one for each character, enhanced by folding backdrops and strip lighting.
With three strong leads and a sharp script, this really is a masterclass in acting. They really did deserve a more full theatre.
5 stars
Image credit: Geraint Lewis
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