A Child Made Of Love – Tron Theatre, Glasgow – 20th-24th October 2009 - Magazine - UK Theatre Network

A Child Made Of Love – Tron Theatre, Glasgow – 20th-24th October 2009 - Magazine - UK Theatre Network

A return to the Glasgay Festival for playwright Matthew McVarish, after the success of last year’s “To Kill A Kelpie”, with another issue based theatrical piece.

Having reviewed To Kill A Kelpie last year, and being extremely impressed by this new author, I was intrigued to see a piece that was billed as not written by, but created by Matthew McVarish. On further reading it appears this production was as much of an experiment in writing styles as it was in creating a new piece of theatre. This did give me sense of trepidation; however I’m pleased to say that this was one experiment that was far removed from Frankenstein’s Monster!

What has been created, through a collaborative writing process from the actors and creator, is a touching piece of theatre which manages to sensitively portray the story of a couple who are unable to naturally have a child, and are going through the decisions and processes involved in adoption. The fact that the couple are both men is another layer to the story which adds both drama and humour in equal measure. The piece is sympathetically played to make the audience appreciate the ideals of the couple who wish to adopt, but also challenges the characters and forces them to give forth their reasons, showing that these are no different than the reasons of any childless couple with a desire to become a parent.

The continual thread of “children’s stories” that runs through the play is a nice way to allow comedy into some very serious moments. The moment of genius that is the courtroom cross examination, interjected with readings from the story of Pinocchio highlights this beautifully. As co-authors to the piece, actors Andrew Agnew and Ed Corrie have obviously had some input into the development of their characters, and this has helped create extremely believable performances on the stage. Mr Agnew as Joe, a frustrated children’s author, shows a gentle maternal human being, whose need to become a parent bubbles under the surface as a frustration that could combust in tears at any moment. Mr Corrie, as Mike, brings his frustration to the fore. His intense portrayal of the family lawyer torn apart by his circumstances in both his work and home life brought another real layer of humanity to the piece. The relationship between both these actors was so natural and believable, that at times it did feel as if the audience were intruding in a family home.

The third actor in the piece was Kai Ross, who at 8 years old has a level of maturity that will carry him well in this business. His ethereal appearances throughout the story were another excellent use of imagery, and his interactions with the adult actors, and the audience were perfectly pitched on the right side of “cute”. The play does have moments that are a little “saccharine”, however this does lend itself well to the “Children’s Story” theme and director Lauren Graham does not allow this to take the play into tacky sentimentality.

Although this is “issue based theatre”, the issue at hand is sensitively depicted without forcing any messages to the audience. This is a moving, humorous play, which draws laughter and tears from its audience but ultimately, and most importantly, entertains.

Tron Theatre, Glasgow – 20th-24th October 7.45pm