The Shatter Box presents us with a man, trapped inside a cage, interrogated for information that will release him. What information, you ask? So does he.
We enter into a bare stage, an futuristic rolling soundscape but little else to grab our attention but the impressive cage that remains a centrepiece throughout.
James Lewis' script is quite good; in need of a few edits perhaps. It often feels needlessly repetitive, with some dialogue trying a little too hard to be sassy or deep but ultimately falling into cliche; overall, however, it feels well crafted.
The text itself feels let down by generally underwhelming, or at least miscast, performances (excepting our fabulous interrogator - more on her later). Though, in fairness, the characters all seem to be written fairly one-note - perhaps a stylistic choice? If so, not executed with impact.
The direction of David Brady does well with what was given to him, making the most of every inch of the small but charming space and keeping the pace punchy throughout - it never once drags.
Ultimately, in spite of Gabrielle Nellis-Pain being perfectly cast and providing an expertly subtle and sinister performance as Reina, we are left without provoked thoughts from what is presumably meant to be a piece that questions the nature of truth, the potential of AI, and the core of humanity.
The Shatter Box runs at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre until 14th September.
Review: Penny Lane Photo: Ross Kernahan