tlst.txt

---

http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2007.htm#tlst
Title: The Last
3 gold bats

27 08 07 - 'You are cordially invited to attend the Last Party in 
the World,' read the flyer for this show, which explains the title 
and gives away some of the plot. By writer David Houston, the show 
emanates from a writing programme at the University of Birmingham. It
is intended to make the serious point that everyday life that we live
is a precious gift that should be cherished. 'The Last,' shows seven 
characters that don't face up to their situation, shy from their fate
and waste the last hour of their lives. Nevertheless the show packs 
in some amazing storylines in the hour that they have left. Its a dark 
dolly mixture of daft delights as the cast generate a banal drama from 
a house party on the edge of doom. While the sky turns red, clouds 
ignite, it rains blood and everyone outside is on their knees the 
party guests embed themselves in denial and continue in their usual
wastrel habits. In this apocalyptic vision of 'the end' everyone is
'fucked up,' snort lines of cocaine, look to use and abuse each other
or to be used themselves. Featuring Candice the hooker, Katie who 
sobs continually, Errol who is needy and desperate for love, Hugo 
inhaling drugs, Norman the hit and run driver, Linda grinning 
inanely and George who seems undeveloped; the whole staged effect
is of some weird TV soap. However by the time the leviathan appears
to spit lava, the angels breach the void, the moon is burnt, the 
ground is ash and all of this reported on the news; its pretty much
time to leave. Certainly a bizarre show but engaging and with some 
genuinely side splitting moments.

By John Vassallo