REVIEW: Inverness amateur theatre group wow in play about intricacies of friendship
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When I was asked to review The Florians' latest production, Art, by our arts and entertainment reporter Margaret Chrystall, I must confess I said 'yes' with enthusiasm at the time, but when the evening drew around to go, I was very much ready for a comfy evening in my flat.
I was a little cynical about the situation, having only seen a handful of amateur - or even professional - plays in my life, I worried I may not have the artistic palette required for the evening (when my usual watching is shows like Shameless and the Royle Family).
However, when I rocked up to the unsuspecting theatre nestled next to Bught Park, I was pleasantly surprised to see a queue out the door, who were all dressed in their best for the opening night of the production.
The play – which was originally written in French but has been translated into English – is set in Paris, and follows the lives and dynamics of three friends and their dividing opinions over art.
Each of the actors – Alan Holling, Nicholas Nicol and Trevor Nicol – held their own, and captivated the audience from the curtain opening.
Holling plays the character of Marc, who is perhaps the 'too honest' friend, who cannot understand why his pal Serge (Nicholas Nicol) has spent over 100,000 euros on a white canvas.
Holling is able to capture the thoughts that he secretly shares about his friend, but also casts self-reflection and introspection at the same time, which I have to say I felt a relatability with.
Nicholas Nicol, perfectly holds the position of being proud of his purchase of the rather plain painting, but then questions himself, to then defending himself against his friend again. His fondness of his friend, is seen in the most heightened of conversations, as he manages to break from serious topics to ask 'would you like any olives?'. He is natural and open.
I would say the main star of the show – due to an impressive lengthy monologue in the middle of the show – was Trevor Nicol who plays the role of Yvan. His character was seen by his friends to not care about what either one thought, but in actual fact felt things the most deeply and was the most sensitive of the three.
The three actors were able to untangle the psychology of friendship, through a simple argument over a painting, in a comedic and relatable manner that had the crowd laughing, cheering, and sympathetic towards each of them at times.
It certainly was a nail-biting 90-minute production and the chemistry between the three was deeply felt by all, and it provided an entertaining and enthralling evening, with a basic yet complementary set.
Director Caroline Nicol did a fabulous job of executing the production and ensuring that each of the actors was suited to the roles.
All of the audience left with a smile on their faces, and my friend and I discussed the intricacies and comedic moments of the play all the way home.
It was certainly more than just an 'art production'. It was a clever deep dive into relationships and the deepest inner thinking that we all possess, and it left me pondering my own roles that I play in friendships.
I'll certainly be buying my tickets for The Florians' next play, Scrooge, which is due to take place December 8 - 16. I would encourage you to too! You won't be disappointed.
