Near-ta Theatre’s thirteenth outing has the loose, freeform feel of a Reduced Shakespeare Company production, with themes reminiscent of Waiting for Godot, and a bench acting like Othello’s handkerchief.

It may sound convoluted, but About a Bench is a charming and amiable performance about human communication and interaction. Actors Daniel Richards and Charlotte Bister play the parts of the many characters in the multi-faceted tale of the subject of the play: the bench, the silent protagonist that ties together seven stories stretched across decades.

While only involving two actors, the sheer number of characters in About a Bench is staggering, and all brilliantly portrayed and brightly coloured, with stories varying from black comedies to tragedies, some poignantly real and observant, others quirky cartoons. The changing scenes and stories make the pace very fast, and it runs the risk of leaving the audience in the dust at some points, but the modesty and openness of the characters keeps the viewers engaged.

Despite the shifting themes and genres, the tone of the show remains consistent and the cast nails it perfectly, never slowing, even during the more philosophical moments, and never repeating themselves or stretching ideas too far.

About a Bench is very watchable, especially for a play with such a seemingly constricting start point that spawns so many ideas. A great way to spend 60 minutes of an evening.

About a Bench is touring with Near-ta Theatre soon.

More informarion about Near-ta Theatre at: http://www.neartatheatre.co.uk/