****

Finda Penny Theatre Company’s production of Cross Purpose by Albert Camus is a most impressive debut as a new company. Given the limited acting space available, Sophy Westendarp’s direction is precise and inventive.

The play is a dark drama set in a Bohemia. The opening scene shows a widowed mother (Elesa Bryers) and Martha her daughter (Beth Richards). They keep an inn and it becomes clear that Martha is the dominant personality. They are serial killers, robbing rich travellers in order that they will save enough money to leave their bleak homeland and move to the coast.

Jan (Sam Freeman) a wealthy traveller in his late thirties arrives. He is the mother’s son who left 20 years earlier but he is not recognised. He is unable to express who he really is. He persuades his wife Maria (Heida Reed) to stay in another inn in order that he can work out how best to reveal who he really is. As he dithers, his fate is sealed as he becomes the next victim. By chance his true identity is discovered and the drama builds in intensity.

All the cast, including the mysterious manservant (Jackson Milner), succeed in their interpretation of the roles the play. However, special credit must go to Beth Richards in the lead role as the schizophrenic Martha, a ruthless but loving daughter, and Heida Reed for her convincing portrayal of utter grief in the final scene.

**** 

Cross Purpose

Company: -  Find a Penny in Association with Drama Centre London 

Venue: -   C Cubed V 50

Dates: -  6 to 31 August 2009 ( not 18)

Times: -  20.30 to 21.30

Fringe Programme Page: -  p189