Bully Boy - ★★★☆☆ - Never less relevant

Opening on November 11th, with so much of the world under the dark cover of warfare and fears of wider conflict this play would struggle to be more relevant. The production at the Lace Market Theatre uses technology to good effect for a fine production of this two hander.

Jack Durden gives a fantastic performance as the young soldier Eddie. An incredibly honest and true to life portrayal of so many soldiers sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, unprepared, forever changed by a conflict no one understood, and those lucky to survive left to rot at home. This is an exhausting performance, and Jack doesn't let it drop for a single second. Nic Adam's Major Oscar is clearly well rehearsed, and he shows a great ease bringing comedy to the character it is ultimately a performance which feels unnatural and lacks the gritty gravitas that feels necessary.

Director Cynthia Marsh has used projection to create a backdrop for every scene, wrapping around the back of the performing area. It works fantastically to set the military base and is used to brilliant effect showing us an insight into the mind of young Eddie as he recollects home and 'the front'. However there are many changes mid-scene, of generic sandy or grassy scenery, that only manage to distract from the actors, and sections during some of the more poignant monologues risk turning them into TED talks.

This is a fine production and Eddie's standout performance is well worth the price of admission.