Sinai Productions at the Tobacco Factory …
FIVE SIDES of a CIRCLE by Neville Boundy
The Gospel Truth?

Perhaps I should begin by saying that I have no formal training or background in drama so this review is simply based on my observations and personal opinion.  Most apt for this particular production I might suggest! 

Running from Tuesday 10^th May to Saturday 14^th  May, local playwright Neville Boundy’s third play is a total sell out - as was the rehearsed reading last year. 

The cleverly assembled items making up designer Andrea Montag’s excellent set were variously used to create different locations visited by our narrator Timothy.  Described as “an inquisitive messenger”, he was played with warmth and humour by Chris Donnelly – sharing with us that he’s paid no extra for shifting props! 

During the first half of this engaging and thought provoking piece Timothy in turn encounters fearful and ebullient Mark in caves near Rome, the somewhat pedantic and sombre Matthew in the Syrian desert, the more jovial and ponderous Luke in Jerusalem and finally authoritative and impetuous John in Ephesus.  Timothy’s discussions en route with Benjamin, a Jewish Christian student ably portrayed by Dan Winter, lead us to the heart of the play.

Timothy’s concerns over variations in the story of Jesus as set down by the gospel writers result in the fascinating concept of the four convening to agree a true and definitive version of events – or not.  And this is where the fun really begins  

Under the excellent direction of Elwyn Johnson and enhanced by the contrasting costumes, the superbly cast actors Jacob Dylan Thomas, Paul Currier, Roland Oliver and Andrew Collins breathe life into the familiar names of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John.  Act II sees the four debate, argue and wrangle over implications, contradictions and interpretations within their writings. 

Surely the audience, both separately and collectively, now becomes the sixth side of the circle?

Thanks to Neville Boundy for a most entertaining evening – such a clever notion!  No wonder it’s a sell out … this play will no doubt return to stimulate and intrigue further audiences in this delightful intimate theatre … and elsewhere.

Buy tickets for events: