It’s surprising that this acerbic look at group therapy is only now receiving its first full professional revival after a Royal Court run in 1973. The intervening years have been big on the idea of talking things over, yet what comedy writer John Antrobus offers is the very opposite of a touchy-feely encounter. His psychiatric patients sit in one vicious circle, more inclined to jeer than to support each other.
There are many plus points about Russell Bolam’s production but one overriding problem: for a comedy, albeit a dark one, it isn’t very funny. We spot gaps where the laughs could come but Bolam is far stronger on nuance, on the awkward pauses in the discussions and the intriguing dynamics of the sub-groups that form. We actually become riveted by the group members who say nothing but never lose their focus or stop projecting strong personalities through their silence.
It’s involvingly staged, with audience members sitting next to actors in the circle. In fact, the cast to audience ratio is almost 50-50, which adds intimacy yet also frustration when matters dawdle before a highly implausible ending.
There’s nice work from Sally Tatum as a woman who refuses to take responsibility for her multiple pregnancies, and Richard Atwill as a livewire who has all the answers for everyone else, but none for himself.
Until 31 January (0844 847 1652),
www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Captain Oates' Left Sock
Finborough Theatre
Finborough Road, SW10 9ED
