The world of the usher is a neglected one – to many they are simply the peons who herald you into the theatre – and most of us have never considered what they do once the house lights go down. This ignorant attitude is about to change as this delightful little play takes us into the lives of the front of house staff.
Set in the foyer of an undoubtedly prestigious theatre, The Ushers delves into the humdrum lives of two disparate colleagues – the anally retentive Neil and the dappy new girl Jennifer – and follows their burgeoning friendship and flirtation that fills the boredom between intervals.
As this darkly comic play progresses the duo gradually get to know each other and ever so slowly start to fall for each other, despite the ever-watchful supervision of their lecherous boss. The result is a wonderfully played and hugely engaging tale of two menials trying to eek out a living and reinvent their dull lives. The affair is slow burning and this allows both players to develop their characters magnificently, showing that the real stars aren’t always on the stage.
4/5
Richard Biggs
