Harlow’s Monkeys

Set in a Cambridge academic’s office, this “comedy” drama sees a disturbed young girl, Kirsty (Zoe Hinks) confronting professor Phil Bryden (Bob Gilchrist) about his past, working with Harry Harlow’s controversial primate psychological tests in the ‘60s. At one point Professor Bryden says “I don’t understand what you’re trying to achieve” echoing our sentiments about the play. The comedic lines were delivered mostly flat and Hinks was obviously out of her depth with the role, while the invasions of rogue “monkeys” undermined the dramatic tension. Gilchrist gave a good performance as the coolly detached professor and the themes of social responsibility and parenthood are explored interestingly, although the ending was a tad predictable.

Upstairs At Three and Ten, 11 May, 2012

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