John Godber’s 1998 classic ‘Perfect Pitch’ opened at New Vic last night in its latest tour of the UK.
Telling the story of burnt out, retired teacher Matt who borrows his parent’s caravan for a week on the Yorkshire coast with partner Rose, expecting four days of hill running and total de-stress. But with the world’s biggest tribute band festival taking place nearby, Grant and Steph’s pop-up tent is an unwelcome addition to their perfect pitch.
Subtle changes have brought this into the present day (song references etc.) but the core remains the same, the presentation of the microcosm of class difference and initial perception.
Frazer Hammill retuning to New Vic from last years’ ‘Bouncers’, is former headteacher Matt, still bearing the psychological scars of his former profession. He gave an excellent performance, slow burning his character’s damaged ego through to the second half peak, along with killer delivery of some really funny one liners and prop comedy with the awning.
Annie Kirkman, another New Vic returnee (Ladies Day, Ladies Down Under) plays mild mannered marathon running and aria singing Rose. Annie gave a really strong performance tip-toeing around her partner Matt, due to her own professional success as a doctor all whilst feeling repressed in her relationship.
Laura Jennifer Banks gives her professional debut wonderfully as straight talking Steph who loves a night out, a drink and off-stage loud lovemaking. Laura’s deadpan delivery depicts Steph’s nonchalance and carefree nature.
Tom Gallagher plays the bulldog breeding, rabbit skinning and self professed camping expert, Grant. Tom’s stage presence strutting around stage, offering opinion when none was asked and know-it-all nature was fantastic. It was a brilliant contrast and accompaniment to Frazer Hammill’s Matt.
There were laughs aplenty, Godber’s script excellently executed by the cast, with the timing of the gags spot on and the physical comedy carried out to maximum effect.
As with some of Godber’s other work there is an undercurrent to the hilarity and the chaos. Matt and Rose’s relationship, Rose’s confinement and in some ways finding herself envious of Steph. The second half turns into a part-battlefield between the two, exchanging insults and barbed jibes, which doesn’t seem to come to a definitive conclusion of where this leaves the couple.
It’s a very funny and entertaining production, full of clever one-liners and excellent character acting. The show is on until Saturday with several matinee performances. Tickets can be purchased from the box office, or online here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/perfect-pitch/
Photo credit: Ian Hodgson
