The year is 1960 – at the Rome Olympics, Cassius Clay strikes gold in the Light Heavyweight boxing competition, while at the Hampstead Theatre Club in London, The Dumb Waiter premieres and two hit men of a very different variety ply their trade.

Substance & Shadow Theatre proudly present Harold Pinter’s classic, one act comedy of menace. The play remains as powerful and incisive today as when it was first performed over 50 years ago. In this claustrophobic, taut, two-hander, we witness the intense relationship between Ben and Gus – two hit men holed up in the basement of a former cafe in Birmingham waiting for their next assignment to arrive.  But what is the significance of the mysterious Dumb Waiter and who is sending down the orders?

This is a play which encompasses tea, Villa playing away, liver and onions, cigarettes, Eccles cakes, model boats, kettles, matches, crockery and many unanswered questions…

Performed at Matthews Hall, Topsham, The City Gate Hotel, Exeter and Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth October 2013.

Ben – Midge Mullin
Gus – Mike Gilpin

Directed by Rosie Mullin

Sound and lights – Samantha Taylor
Sound Design and Music – Mike Gilpin
Poster Design – Chris Harbut
Prop Design and Creation – Pete Matthews

http://classicaljourneyphonic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/harold-pinter-dumb-waiter-masterpiece.html

Pictures by Vicky Cowell