Slash House Theatre Company’s Peaked — taking place as part of this year’s BedFest — is a fast-paced, unpredictable story of resurfacing friendships, and a reflection on diverging life paths and career avenues. What is a light-hearted tale of ex-child actors brought together again quickly becomes a mystery exposing long-buried secrets, with discussions on snobbery, privilege, and what defines a ‘successful’ career trajectory.
Huw Turnbull’s dialogue is witty and quick-fire, with the four old friends engaging in almost non-stop banter to show old friendship dynamics resurfacing. Despite the play’s light-hearted tone and short run-time, the writing allows room for heavier discussions of faded friendships, the shelf life on success for child actors, and snobbery over what defines a fulfilling career. Questions of privilege and opportunities determined by class are not shied away from, with differences in class and financial support dividing the group in two.
The plot is somewhat underdeveloped, with sequences shifting sharply between re-enacted scenes from the characters’ show and reality. These scenes however are animated by sitcom-esque gags, theatrical bright lighting and a catchy acapella jingle.
The acting team of four is strong, all having natural chemistry to imitate the rusty but familiar bond of old friends brought together ten years after their show, “Shady Peaks”, ended. Under Minnie Cross’ direction, they skilfully use the space and physical comedy to convey this familiarity, with distinct quirks. Amy Kenneally in particular stands out as Beth, a nervous, pragmatic fast-talker and the driving force behind solving the mystery — but also the most down-to-earth of the group, particularly in scenes when she defends herself against the pretentiousness of the other characters.
Abi Price and Gordon Stackhouse embody reunited twin flames Leila and Dick, navigating the acting world after being instantly catapulted into the spotlight at a young age. They both channel airs of superiority with overly dramatic and effortlessly funny mannerisms. This is helped by a script packed with witty retorts — whether it be Leila defending panto’s history in Commedia dell’arte or Dick insisting on only drinking White Claws — which punctuate the performance with laughter. The individual dynamics between characters however feel underexplored, such as the history between Leila and Dick which feels slightly glossed over.
Despite much being crammed into a short time frame, Peaked is a sitcom episode come to life all while exploring deeper messages of privilege and the unsuspecting paths life can take you on.
Photo by Hikari Sutton-Hibbert, provided as press material