Dogged by the release of a thoroughly dire film by the same name, Atomic Theatre’s production of Up ”N” Under makes the best of a bad lot. Tackling the Full Monty-esque plot of no hopers trying to become hereos head on, the players amble through the predictable script with suitable aplomb and do their best to bring the storyline to life.
Their animated performance culminates in a fine portrayal of a rugby match. This is in itself is no mean feat, as the six strong cast portray the battle between fourteen players with a believable accuracy. This scene is almost enough to rescue the play from mediocrity, but it’s hard to forgive the poor script.
Technically a fine performance, as this band of relative newcomers breath life into a sorry band of Northern lads, but save your money and rent the video instead.
2/5
Richard Biggs
