An old play by Caryl Churchill which has not been seen since the 80?s will be new to most audiences who venture out to see it at the Lyttleton Theatre.
The play reeks of minimalism, all of the way from the simple set design to the limited ten performances that it will run.
The set is simply one bed and a bedroom which may seem limiting, but is enough to see two characters fight over drunken antics and another character slitting her wrists open.
The wide stage of the Lyttleton seems to be too overbearing for the simple play, but perhaps the venue was chosen not for the stage but for the seating as audiences are packing in for a glimpse at the rare Churchill play.
Churchill also wrote All?s Well That Ends Well and Phedre.
Despite the spacious stage the direction of the concise plotline is suburb as Gareth Marcin brings the characters to life with personas that most people can find a little of within themselves as well at times.
It is not for those looking for a good laugh however, as the script is leaking with dry sarcasm and the plot is thick enough that some audience members may feel a little uncomfortable as the slanted words hit maybe just a little too close to home.
The ending for those who do not know the play will shock most audience goers, as it simply ends on a dime which is probably the aim of Churchill. At any rate, if she was going for shock value and an unsettled feeling that will leave people talking, Three More Sleepless Nights should do it.
