Different Holes

It’s the end of the world and the only known survivors are three colleagues on their way to a conference and a sixteen year old girl. Marooned on an island we find Marie (Elizabeth Berrington), a busybody head of HR who seems more concerned about rooting through the abandoned suitcases from the plane crash than thinking up a survival strategy. Gus (Mathew Baynton) a straight talking realist with an unlikely penchant for Lionel Richie is juxtaposed brilliantly by daydreamer, idealist and natural comedian Ian (Daniel Rigby). Completing the unlikely quartet is Erin (Sharon Singh) , a young girl who after a prolonged period of stunned silence reveals that she has been recently orphaned as her parents tragically died in the crash. Considering Holes centres around the bleak subject matter of apocalyptic survival, it may surprise you to learn that Tom Basden’s play is in fact an extremely funny black comedy. 

In the centre of the Arcola’s pop up summer tent venue, the stage is comprised of a circular sandpit. Basden’s flair for off beat and slightly twisted humour is apparent for the moment that Rigby’s character Ian announces that he is going to dig graves to bury the fatalities using a children’s bucket and spade set. With only the remains of what was left on the plane, the group decide that their only means of survival is to resort to drinking the miniature beverages from the plane’s refreshment trolly. One of my personal comedic highlights was when gossip filled Marie pilfered some Louboutin heels from one of the abandoned suitcases and insisted on strutting around in them despite repeatedly sinking into the sand beneath her. Alongside the humouristic moments, there are also tense and dramatic exchanges as the group and young Erin in particular are faced with a series of morally complex dilemmas. 

Holes, is a fine example of character driven drama, engaging protagonists portrayed by this impeccably talented cast, mean although very little action occurs - Holes was utterly captivating from start to finish. I think it was largely due to the natural rapport and onstage chemistry between the small cast of four. Rigby in particular with his James Corden-esque, and charismatic delivery was a true delight to watch. 

I found the ending of Holes unexpected, bizarre and for a play that had otherwise been of staggeringly high calibre a tad unsatisfying, which I thought was a real shame. That said, for the most part Holes was witty, funny and a sand filled corker of a play. 

 Holes is playing at the Arcola tent until August 9th, for tickets and more information visit http://www.arcolatheatre.com