Review: Bull (Birmingham Rep / Park Theatre)
Review by Red Elizabeth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Theatre isn't always inclusive, with limited performances captioned or signed. Deafinitely Theatre breaks this barrier, with BSL and captions made the centre of the storytelling in a new production of Mike Bartlett’s Bull. Delivered at a great pace with the use of sign language helping to portray the expressive nature of theatre, this is a production that slowly transforms our perceptions of the themes and characters.
Set in an office workplace, three characters fight for a job whilst one is heading for redundancy. Isobel, Tony and Thomas are awaiting their boss, Carter’s (played by David Sands) arrival for a meeting to deliver the news of who will be made redundant. Whilst waiting for his arrival, Isobel and Tony interrogate Thomas and play with him, making him uncomfortable and defensive. Throughout their conversations, we see powerful and unsettling moments between the three.
The two overbearing co-workers, Tony and Isobel, are played by Danny Lee and Jasmine Whipps, respectively, both rooting for the dismissal of meek Thomas, played convincingly by Ciaran O'Breen. As O'Breen's character's rage intensifies, we see him physically transform into bull-like motions, with Jasmine Whipps' character engaging with this presentation.
The set, designed by Paul Burgess sees a simple stage adorned with nothing but a water cooler, two chairs, and a screen above used for captioning, blended in to look as though it would be used for statistics in the workplace. The lighting, designed by Jessie Addinall, was carefully thought through, ensuring the cast were clearly visible from all angles of the auditorium, with their lines being visually delivered and received easily. The internal rage and despair seen in Ciaran O’Breen’s character is enhanced by the usage of red lighting, carefully done to ensure the signing from other characters can still be seen at different spots on stage in more typical stage lighting. Understandably, there is a minimal use of sound within this production of Bull. There are a handful of moments where a monotonous sound can be heard becoming louder, enhancing the emotions of characters within the moment.
The cast used plenty of fluid, natural movements and expressions, with minimal movement across the small stage, and the majority of the expression through signing. There were moments of pacing that fitted naturally with the flow of the dialogue and the environment, without being distracting or taking away from the storyline. Mike Bartlett’s writing flowed well, both through BSL and the English captions, with the meaning translating effectively between the two.
Paula Garfield’s direction ensured the pace of the show delivered key moments and information about the characters at the right times. The content of the show itself felt relevant and important, delving into workplace bullying and the effects this can have. Many of us will relate to the themes explored, whether we are part of the Deaf community or not. It feels relevant to today’s workplace conversations and is written naturally, without ever coming across as forced. With no sound and dialogue delivered entirely through signing and captions, the play unfolds as one extended conversation between the characters.
Although there are moments of brilliance to be found within this production of Bull already. I got the sense that further work could make it even better. At times it felt like the dialogue dragged with the sense that it could have been shortened or made slightly more interesting. However, this simultaneously echoed the day-to-day conversations we may have with others. In regard to being an inclusive experience, especially within the Deaf community, this is a fantastic initiative, and would be great for those, like myself, who are learning BSL, in order to practice receptive skills. Bull may not be the show for you if you are looking for an upbeat storyline or something easy-going, but it is nonetheless well written, directed and delivered.
Bull plays at Birmingham Rep until 19th September. Tickets from https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/bull/
It then moves to London’s Park Theatre from 30th September - 24th October. Tickets from https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/bull/
Photos by Becky Bailey