John Malkovich in Bitter Wheat

BITTER WHEAT.

The front of the programme states ‘The World Premier’ of Bitter Wheat, a new play written and directed by David Mamet at the Garrick Theatre. If that was not enough to grab your attention then there is the huge figure of John Malkovich gripping a golden figurine.

I was reminded of the cliché, ‘A Game of Two Halves’ as this script was a play of two thirds split by two scene changes and a final third of something different! The set was simple and striking with straight lines. A large desk on one side and a black chair and small table on the other was enough. Stage right allowed the only access.

This is not a play for the not-so-dedicated, but for those that enjoy acting. Mr John Malkovich led superbly as Barney Fein and that would have been expected. He was not alone, but other actors were only there to make a point or two. Doon Mackichan, as Sondra, played her supporting part brilliantly as his P.A. and confidante with Joanne Kimbrook as Yung Kim Li. The latter being the subject of his lust. They both gave Barney space to be his powerful arrogant self and all interjections timed to perfection.

The critics will love this. The first part demanded attention to the point of being tedious. It was serious stuff! Humour was absent and we wondered where the ‘farce’ element was going to happen. (It was billed as a farce). A man two seats away from me commented that it would need a major edit before becoming successful.

The last third was funny. It became a farce and we laughed. The ‘turns’ in the script were farcical to the point of being ridiculous. But I didn't care because it emphasised the ridiculousness of extreme power and the consequences.

This is a script taking the ‘trendy’ route, but it is better our there on stage than being chatted about in pubs! It didn't give any answers, but highlighted where we are at. We are all subject to the power of others.