In A Dark Dark House at the Almeida Neil La Bute’s latest offering is playing at the Almeida until January 22nd. In A Dark Dark House continues his exploration of the psyche of the American male. In three acts, it’s the story of two brothers who grew up together in an unspecified mid-western US town, a town where as LaBute himself says, you wouldn’t want to stop if you knew what was going on under the surface. The two brothers are brought together as the younger brother Drew, is undergoing court enforced rehab. Their encounter with a young woman acts as a catalyst to bring to the surface much that has remained long hidden and denied for both of them. LaBute’s work is never less than controversial. (Just have a look at the comments on our Fat Pig review!) I’ve softened my view of LaBute since Andy wrote that review as I have to admit Fat Pig was really thought provoking and even now discussing it can still cause arguments debate This has to be a good sign I think and theatre that actually provokes that much thought has to be worthwhile at some level. The cast is interesting with Steven Mackintosh (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) returning to the stage after an 8 year gap, playing the younger brother Drew. Terry, the older bother is played by David Morrissey (on our screens over Xmas in Dr Who). Kira Sternbach plays the young woman. Have a look at the trailer for the play: Click here to view the embedded video. It seems from some of the responses so far that the whole ‘fake American accents’ thing continues to be an issue. However if the actors can keep up the standard we hear in the video I don’t think it will be too much of a problem. Of course, it’s not a problem at all for Kira Sternback as she is actually American! My only issue really is whether I can manage to get around to seeing In A Dark Dark House at this busy time of year. I hope we can fit it in but remember comments here are open for your thoughts and reviews.
a In a Dark Dark House - Neil LaBute
