Much of Steven Berkoff's work for the stage is suffused with acid and energy and Bedrock's current production catches almost all of the satirical hatred, racism, sexism, raunchiness and verbal violence that is contained in this quirkily idiosyncratic reworking of the Oedipus legend. Here are primal urges in the consumer society played with style and verve, disciplined at breakneck speed under Jason Byrne's razor-sharp direction. Karl Shiels is Eddy, sharply dressed and very much up and going as he discovers his preference for the wine bar over the seedy pub. Debby Leeding is the leggy lusting lovely he takes for his wife and Deirdre Roycroft the woman he believes to be his mother. Everyone plays in whiteface, mouths and eyes in sharp relief, except for Kevin Hely as "Dad", whose eyes are rheumy.
It could spoil the surprises to reveal the twists which the author has worked in the classic tale to provide his virulent picture of venal Cockneys (with excellently sustained accents) played against a plain white backcloth on four chairs and a table, excellently lit (apart from one glitch last night) by Lee Davis. Go seek the surprises yourself in this accomplished and entertaining piece of stylishly energetic theatre.
Only until Saturday, January 31st. Booking by telephone 1850 260027