Bug (Bath Chronicle Review)

Patchwork Penguin Productions

My skin is still crawling as I refer to my notes and see a bug squashed in the corner, no doubt killed as I clutched my pad during a more action filled part of the play. This is not a play for the squeamish not the second half at least, but this is a play for those with an interest in entomology, conspiracy theories, paranoia or jumping out of their skin at a harsh knock on the door.

At first Peter, played by Jeremy Fowlds, is a bit of an enigma, one moment he seems a little slow, the next somewhat eloquent. What does emerge, however, is that in the scenes of raw madness and in his moving monologue, he was perfectly cast. He also had great chemistry with Agnes, played by Alexia Jones, which developed throughout the play. She had purposefully ‘hermatized’ herself and the audience were forced to ride her emotional rollercoaster as she was manipulated by one man, then another.
R.C. (Lisa Thrower) showed genuine concern and emotional attachment to Agnes whilst Jerry (Darian Nelson) frighteningly seemed to enjoy his role as her antagonist.

This play is as relevant today as ever, highlighting the effect of a government with an increasing need for security, causing paranoia amongst those who may or may not have a predisposition towards it. Don’t let this Bug crawl away without taking a closer look.


Bug was on at the Rondo Theatre from 26-29th May 2010.
This review was printed in the Bath Chronicle on the 27th May 2010.