REVIEW: Swimming With Sharks
- Posted on October 22, 2007 3:52 PM
- 0 comments
Swimming With Sharks
Vaudeville Theatre
Review by Katie Spain
You've got to hand it to Christian Slater. His hair may be edging towards the rear of his scalp but the man still has it. "What is 'it'?" You may ask... well, looks, charisma, arrogance, talent, volume, and legions of fans for starters.
The last time I saw Mr Slater was on stage in London's West End, I was up there with him (refereeing a match of verbal volleyball between the star and his young female fans). He and cast mates Alex Kingston, Rebecca Grant, Lizzie Roper and co had just finished another night of 'One flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' and joined me on stage for a Q&A session. Christian has a stage presence as big as the 'A' in front of his 'list'. He's cock-sure, loud and powerful - just like his latest character.
"My bath mat means more to me than you do".
Slater's current West End role is that of Buddy Ackerman, a high-flying film producer in the heart of Hollywood. If the name sounds familiar, you've probably seen the screen hit 'Swimming With Sharks'. I haven't had the pleasure, so walk into the Vaudeville Theatre with few expectations. My only hopes ride on Slater's jaw-droppingly fine performance in Cuckoo's Nest. It's a hard one to beat.
The theatre isn't full tonight (far from it) - and although it's a preview we're a tad surprised. After all, Christian's face is all over London. Maybe the billboards plastered with a semi-clad Billie Piper overpower Christian's mug. At least we get a clear view of the stage. The set is simple - the city office is all sleek lines, white couches and black tiles. The setting alternates between a top floor business hub, to a pumping nightclub and inner city apartments. Frosted windows give privacy when he needs it "oooooh-aaaaah, that's the spot daaarling".
Christian is ruthless. He slips his character on like a well worn, steel-studded glove. "You're happy, I hate that - get off the phone!". One liners such as this one come thick and fast. We've all experienced a boss from hell - and Buddy Ackerman is just that. He makes horror movies full of blood and guts and his eye is on the cash at the end of the film reel. When he finds himself competing for a promotion within the company, he is forced to follow the moral path. Or so it seems.
It takes a special actor to rival the stage presence of Mr Slater and Matt Smith steps up to the task well. He plays the role of Guy - a young film buff hired as Buddy's assistant. His stumbling, nervous first days are endearing but his transformation in the second half is less convincing. Helen Baxendale's portrayal of Guy's producer girlfriend also falls short of the mark. Somehow, the pieces just don't quite fit.
This is, however an entertaining evening of theatre. Men will love the story-line and women will love... well, Christian. Film lovers will miss the impact of screen shots but enjoy the up-to-date references to the entertainment industry. A twist or two keeps us guessing until the end but if you've seen the flick, you won't have the same luxury.
After the show we walk out onto The Strand and notice a commotion on the street. It's not the fans waiting for Slater... nope, the crowd is milling on the front steps of the Adelphi Theatre where 'Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat' is showing. I haven't seen such a commotion since Daniel Radcliffe waved his magic wand in Equus. Either Lee Mead has overtaken the popularity stakes of an A-lister or the Queen mother herself is inside.
If a hard-hitting, expletive-packed drama is what you're after - it's time to swim with the sharks. If singing, dancing and all-round happiness is the prescription your doctor had advised, it's Joseph all the way.
VERDICT: See it – Christian Slater’s dialogue and stage prowess is worth it alone.
Swimming With Sharks on Seatwave
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