Erin Shanagher & Gerard Kearns in BEGINNING. Photo Credit: Helen Murray
Raw, gritty, and honest, BEGINNING draws you in and pulls at your heartstrings with its relatable script and impeccable acting.
BEGINNING is a two-person show that is raw, gritty, and honest. Its intimacy draws you in and pulls at your heartstrings through the themes of love, loss and loneliness.
It’s the end of the night, and there are only two left standing. It’s survival of the ‘fittest’; 38-year-old homeowner and career-focused Laura (Erin Shanagher), who has thrown herself a flat warming, and 42-year-old Danny (Gerard Kearns), who’s had a right day of it in his ketchup-strewn shirt and just wants a few beers. Laura lives her life at lofty heights, meanwhile, Danny likes to keep himself grounded with his Mum and Nan.
Erin Shanagher & Gerard Kearns in BEGINNING. Photo Credit: Helen Murray
It’s apparent that Laura’s luxe new home looks like a ‘bombs hit,’ however, she has other pressing matters to attend to: Danny. Danny is the last man standing after allowing his friend to take his taxi home; Danny’s got a ‘radar,’ but it’s just not signalling. The audience watch as Laura and Danny’s late-night leads into the early morning, and the two characters dance around each other’s questions, quite literally.
Complimented by its pairing in the round, David Eldridge’s script is relatable and relevant. It’s a naturalistic and raw insight into the forming of a beautiful but baggage-filled lust affair. Eldridge’s script offers a fly-on-the-wall experience into an encounter that you would otherwise not witness: what happens when two people are left alone, and there’s love, passion and awkwardness in the air. Eldridge’s clever script breaks up tense moments with quick-witted lines as the two characters wrestle through their existential crisis.
The acting is impeccable. Shanagher offers up many layers to Laura’s character, digging deep, all of which is swallowed up by the audience. The beauty of the play being delivered in the round is it elevates the initial discomfort between Laura and Danny, and it’s a delight to see the noteworthy facial expressions that Shanagher brings the role to life with. Shanagher feeds off the audience’s reactions, which emanate throughout the theatre and further amplify the well-thought-out character she portrays.
Erin Shanagher & Gerard Kearns in BEGINNING. Photo Credit: Helen Murray
Shameless star Gerard Kearns plays Danny, a down on his luck, middle management character with pure thought and conviction sprinkled with a touch of boyish, endearing charm. Kearns’ well-timed delivery hits each comical moment perfectly, causing ripples of laughter throughout the audience. There are many relatable moments throughout the play, and through Kearns’ incredible portrayal of Danny, we can all see a Danny in our lives and the clumsy moments between two people finding each other.
Special mention is well deserved to TK Hay’s set design, which has been meticulously crafted to depict the carnage after a house party, inclusive of a working kitchen, cabinet downlights, fridge freezer and running water! The tarmac floor was a particular favourite, which was a delightful contrast to the stylish apartment, bringing the outside in with Zoe Spurr’s towering streetlights.
BEGINNING is raw, gritty, and honest. It’s naturalistic in its style and is both beautifully written and beautifully performed.
BEGINNING runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, until 11 March 2023
Sophia Agnew works in Comms and Marketing after previously studying Drama and Theatre at the University of Hull and a brief stint performing herself. She now much prefers being part of the audience and working in a creative industry. She also has interests in events, house renovation, growing her book collection and finding the best bottomless brunch.
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