Dogfight (Obsidian Theatrical Productions)

If when you hear the title 'Dogfight' you immediately think of 'The Red Baron' or Spitfires in WWII you might be in for an education when watching the latest production from Obsidian Theatrical Productions. Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, you might call this their early groundwork before going on to have a hand in such beasts as 'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'The Greatest Showman'.

So this 'Dogfight' doesn't refer to air battles over the sea but, instead is a challenge laid down by a group of US Marines to see which one can bring the ugliest girl to a party. Doesn't say much for their respect for the female of the species but, probably highlights the fear they have for the battle ahead and how they will do almost anything to take their mind off impending doom, particularly since we all know what was to play out in the Vietnam War.

At the centre of the story are three characters who are all dealing with that fear in different ways, Eddie Birdlace (a powerful performance and vocal from Oli Keeling) feels he can just front it out with bravado and a gratuitous level of profanity until he finds himself confronted with Rose Fenny (probably the vocal of the evening and a masterful piece of characterisation from Lou Walton) a naive waitress who appeals to his nicer side, something he struggles to come to terms with especially in front of his friends/colleagues. Bernstein (played with youthful charm by Kieran Scott) young and fresh-faced deals with his fear by merely wanting to lose his virginity and Boland (an outspokenly strong performance from Robert Bateman) believes his experience is enough to get him through although is somewhat out-experienced by his chosen girl Marcy (a delightfully strong portrayal by Bethany Waller-Scott) who has seen these things before and manages to force a fifty/fifty split of the winnings.

At the 'Dogfight' an array of 'ugly' partners (since none of these ladies are actually ugly in any way, some amazing pieces of character acting from Emily Banks, Chloe Rawson, Sophie Rawson and even a cross-dressing masterpiece, one of many characters, from Tony Faughnan, let's not forget the other guys as well, Harry Clapham, Chris Westwood, Roni Elson and Lounge Singer, Luke Davies) are seen, all of which could easily reap the pickings for their partner, although it is fair to say that none (with the exception of Marcy) really look as if they know why they are there which only makes the event even more deplorable. Rose with the assistance of Marcy eventually realises the truth and treats Birdlace to a highly realistic slap across the face before storming out and bringing the event to a close.

Birdlace can no longer spend the remainder of his off-duty time with his debauched friends as he realises Rose has had a profound effect on him so seeks her out and they share a meal and a difficult first sexual experience before the Marines are shipped-out to Vietnam where all but, Birdlace are killed, fortunately he finally makes it back to Rose and the circle is complete.

This is a piece with both moments of hard-hitting gritty reality and unexpected points that touch the soul, it has to be witnessed to be fully experienced as it takes the audience on an emotional journey, watch out for some particularly poignant songs, 'Pretty Funny', 'Before It's Over' and my personal favourite 'First Date/Last Night'.

You won't get a chance to see this show very often so don't hesitate and go see this production from a talented team, created by Robert Bateman/Director and Phil Ypres-Smith/Musical Director, that really know how to tell a story.

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