Nouse.co.uk » No Exit

No Exit

February 10, 2009
Beth Gandy

Production: No Exit
Venue: Drama Barn
Rating: ****

A white-wallpapered room contrasted with three brightly coloured sofas, providing a claustrophobic and intense setting. In a portrayal of hell where three souls are sent to be tortured by the other, No Exit is easy prey for a long and steady look at lifeâ€™s meaning. This was avoided by a degree of wry and sadistic humor and the relaxation of the actors as they grew into their parts.

This complex play required deep concentration from the audience, slowly revealing facts concerning the three main characters. Light relief was provided by the enigmatic valet, played by Dan Sofaer, who, through his dry introduction of the cast, set the pace for a perplexing look at death.

The three main characters had a powerful emotional impact. The performance was initially threatened by first night jitters but they spectacularly grew into their performance. Sarah Barker set the pace with her moving and troubled portrayal of Inez. A particularly believable sexual performance was carried by Sarah Barker and Laura Horton, allowing the growth of Tom Eilenberg into the part as Garcin.

No Exit was a strong performance, carried by simple staging and clever lighting. Emotional and thought-provoking, it questions the stability of oneâ€™s own existence and power to create future – something the playwright – Jean-Paul Satre aimed to achieve. And so as Eilenberg delivered, â€śwell, well, letâ€™s get on with it.â€ť