The Tricycle's original production of Fabulation garnered five stars in this paper back in February, but this super-speedy resuscitation doesn't live up to that billing.
Jenny Jules returns as Undine, the black Manhattan superbitch who has changed her name, denied her roots and generally put herself in need of a lesson. The rest of the cast are mostly new, and perhaps it shows.
As Undine falls from grace and is forced to return pregnant to her lowerclass Brooklyn family, you can see where high comedy is meant to ensue. But in the Ab Fab pantomime of the opening scene timings are off and chemistry fails to fizz.
The evening never properly recovers, despite some exuberant and hilarious cameos (Karl Collins's ridiculous Latin lover, Alibe Parsons's junkie granny). Without a ton of laughter, the play's flaws are exposed. The action is perambulatory and fragmented, as Undine narrates her way through sketches about drugs and rehabilitation and social services and pregnancy.
Though Undine is constantly meant to be learning something, there's little growth to notice as writer Lyn Nottage delays and delays themoment of clarity. When her heroine finally comes to terms with what a cow she's been, it's through a long-winded and very American combination of confession and confrontation that makes tiresome viewing. Average.
Until 21 Oct (020 7328 1000)
Pumpgirl
Bush, W12
***
Abbie Spallen's tale from the estates of Northern Ireland, Pumpgirl, is gritty, witty and intricate. Three interweaving monologues from a husband, his wife and his young tomboy mistress tell a story of marital boredom and sexual manipulation that feels sordid from its petrolstained opening to its nasty climax.
Spallen's world is unrelentingly dismal. Hammy and Pumpgirl conduct their affair in a romantic spot strewn with flowers - a makeshift memorial for "two Prods" once killed there. Having set the oppressed tone, Spallen delights in giving her characters moments of false release.
Hammy's wife Sinead has an hour of ecstatic love-making - with a vile, misogynist predator. Pumpgirl enjoys a gleaming, stoned vision just before Hammy lets his mates share in his mashed and despised conquest.
The monologue form can feel static, and there are points, especially at the start, where neither Spallen's robust gags nor her compelling, tricksy way with narrative compensate for the lack of immediate drama. But mostly they do, and good performances, particularly from Maggie Hayes as the betrayed and benumbed Sinead, tease out your sympathy even as you expect more atrocities.
Until 14 Oct (020 7610 4224).
Fabulation (or The Re-education Of Undine)
Tricycle Theatre
Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR
