The Duchess

Experimental theatre has a bad reputation among the general public, and rightly so. Few would risk committing themselves to experimental thespian efforts, because to do so might mean watching a man in a tutu berate a blow-up doll for three hours in medieval German.

Sometimes, however, this is a genuine pity. After all, at one point or another all theatre was experimental. And sometimes a troupe of actors will put on a production that's deeply unconventional, but actually worth watching. Such is the case with The Duchess. It has its flaws, but it fuses comedy, social commentary and physical theatre with an enthusiasm that makes it impossible not to enjoy.

So, the six actors take on a bizarre mix of characters in the red-brick monstrosity of St Margaret's House. Graffiti covers the walls. Speed dating, torture and relationship advice pile on top of each other leaving the audience both amused and confused.

What damages this production is simply its length, for at one-and-a-half hours it goes on too long. One would suffice to keep it snappy and tight. As it is, by the time the final call comes and the actors receive their applause, the audience is twitchy, and looking to escape.

The Duchess touches on some interesting themes, and the two central characters who host the proceedings are a treat. It also has some interesting sketches that satirize the modern world. But any final statement—if it has one—is lost in the experiment.