Toxic at Altincham Garrick Theatre
Written by Daniel Lovatt, Directed by Connor Goodwin
Review by Jayne Skudder 9th September 2021
With suicide on the rise in the UK, particularly in men, Daniel Lovatt’s thought provoking play explores themes of mental health and what it means to be ‘masculine’ in our ever evolving society, with its constraints and preconceptions on how a man should be. With a compelling plot, Daniel’s writing is poignant, bold and witty, with a northern gritty edge and dry humour throughout. Appealing to the audience through the medium of comedy works a treat in this piece and it was so well executed; when I read about the themes of this play, I might have expected to shed a tear or two but to catch myself belly laughing, took me by surprise. Entertaining as it is, Toxic has a higher purpose in raising awareness on mental health issues, offering a talking point, a journey towards breaking the mould and tackling the stigma attached to mental health today.
Embracing a subject that has for so long been taboo, is no mean feat but the writing, direction and a talented cast of four, come together to make Toxic a successful and cathartic piece of theatre.
Grappling with depression, following a break up with his husband, Andy played by superbly Patrick Price, contemplates suicide and is coaxed down by his best mate James to talk it out in the Fox’s Head. The contrast between the two characters enhances comedy moments and highlights how people deal with their feelings and emotions in different ways. James is the archetypal joker-a bit of a lad-for whom life is one endless gag, or is it? The duo gel together with Andy’s dry sense of humour juxtaposed against James’s superficial gags that mask his inner vulnerability. Comedic moments are timed to perfection for maximum impact like when James tries to console Andy by reminding him of his red paisley wallpaper and he seems to contemplate, emerging momentarily from his haze ‘Well I do like that wallpaper…’ raucous laughter peeled though the studio, as the humour came in thick and fast.
James, played to perfection by Joe Gallogly, becomes Andy’s bugbear, as the days go on with his persistent jolly gags and knocking at the door, Andy’s reactions are well timed and priceless. The versatility of the set gives home to the lounge, the pub and the ‘suicide’ spot is symbolised using a black covered table at the back; the space is used effectively throughout, along with props such as Andy’s wine bottle, the pints of beer, kebabs after a night out and the trifle that Andy scoops out with his hands, signifying his spiral out of control, as he pigs out watching old videos of Henry.
Essential to the plot and perfectly honed, are the characters of Patrick- Andy’s nephew- played by Joe Facer and Camo played by Joseph Thomas. Patrick, having been thrown out for drug abuse, rocks up at Andy’s house, looking for somewhere to crash and inadvertently gives purpose to his life again- even though he does clog the plug hole with his pubes, smokes weed and listens to techno- showing that everyone has their own coping strategy for their demons. Camo represents the working class, football loving male, whose answer to his problems is booze and banter and brushing off any kind of emotion, attributing it to being effeminate. It’s attitudes like this that need to change and through humour this play truly brings this home.
Eavesdropping on fellow audience members, it’s clear to see they were enthralled by this piece. Comments such as ‘How does he do that?’, ‘He really wins us over’, ‘Don’t you think it’s amazing’ filled the studio and I would wholeheartedly agree. You could hear a pin drop as the realistion that the happy go lucky James, is battling with his own demons hits home: just wearing his mask to conceal his true emotions, for fear that someone may see the chink in his armour, no words to express how he feels. Toxic brings mental health to the forefront in such a natural, humorous way, with well rounded characters and attention to detail-we all believe we know them.The message here is loud and clear talk to someone- this play matters and should be seen far and wide. Congratulations on a truly successful piece of theatre!
