Blue/Orange

This articulate three-hander from writer Joe Penhall is the second play in the inaugural season of Theatre Royal Productions. First performed in 2000 amidst great controversy, Blue/Orange combines fascinating issues of mental health care, academia politics and power plays into a single play.

Thought-provoking, to say the least, its tale is of a young black mental health in-patient, Christopher, a student doctor, Bruce, and his supervising consultant, Dr Smith. Christopher is about to be released, having spent his court-appointed 28 days in residential psychiatric care, but Bruce doesn’t feel he is ready or fully diagnosed, and so calls in his consultant to observe and to garner his opinion on the case. Where the doctors disagree, with their own agendas – not the least of which is the book Dr Smith is working on and the missing chapter he hopes to write on cultural context as a reason for the high number of African-descent Britons currently being treated for psychiatric illnesses – the gloves come off.

All three characters are dedicated in their pursuit of what they see to be right. Oliver Wilson’s portrayal of Christopher encapsulates the pent up energy, anxiety and confusion of a man set on his path, even if that path changes faster than he can see, evoking great empathy and humour. Gerard McCarthy as the young student doctor is passionate and determined, his kindness hinting at a wider naivety of the context of his chosen profession. It has to be said that both actors blow out of the water any clichés regarding the limitations of soap actors, being Hollyoaks alumni and top notch.

Taking his place at the top of the power pyramid is Robert Bathurst as Dr Robert Smith. Pragmatic but not without sympathy, and well accustomed to having the power of the ‘establishment’ behind him, Dr Smith is the smiling face of a ruthless system perfectly ecapsulated.

Sharply written, this is a complex topic communicated clearly and with pathos delivered by all three characters. In turns light of hand, funny, aggressive, and political as the power changes in time between the three again and again, it both captivates and entertains its audience from start to finish. Bravo.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 18 September 2012

Rating: