Death row somewhere in America and inmate John Brennan, who insists he is innocent, is being interviewed by journalist Sam Fried.
Brennan has gained a quiet fame for his prison newspaper, and specifically its obituaries of executed prisoners, which restore the humanity of men remembered by the outside world only for the crimes they committed. Brennan's cell partner is an insane white supremacist, Bobby Reyburn, and seemingly Brennan's irreconcilable opposite, but through the exceptional circumstances of their incarceration, the two gradually form an understanding.
Despite Brennan's pleas, Fried won't write about Reyburn's insanity however (which would get Reyburn off death row): he'd like to help, but Reyburn burned down a church full of black worshippers, and both Fried's children are black.
Based on the true execution of James Beathard (exonerated after his death), Bruce Graham's prison drama is ignited in Sarah Esdaile's thoughtful production by two marvellous performances from Ben Cross and Alex Ferns. Ferns conveys Reyburn's emotional chaos, destroyed mind and unthinking nastiness without overegging his insanity. As Brennan, Cross shows how being on death row has redeemed a prisoner who admits to a life full of mistakes.
The pace occasionally sags, but this isn't a drama of sensationalism. In supporting roles, both Eric Loren as Fried and Jo Martin's prison guard equally exemplify the complicated mess America has got itself into over capital punishment. Claire Allfree
Until Jul 17, Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street WC2, Mon to Sat 7.45pm, Thu and Sat mats 3pm, £17.50 to £37.50.
Tel: 020 7494 5076. Tube: Covent Garden
Coyote On A Fence
