CityLife

Undone

MANCHESTER'S gay village, a haven or hell? This is the question Chad McGitchie put to his audience in Undone.

Undone unfurled in the unusual venue of Joshua Brooks, an ideal setting for the play as the hubbub from the bar above added an extra dimension to the performance, giving the effect the audience were participants on a night out.

A cast of four actors exposed darker aspects to a night out in the village such as drugged up regulars, drinks offers that encourage binge drinking and the emptiness of sleeping around.

The village is encapsulated through the character of Charlie who prances around on the stage wearing glittery make up and matching cocaine residue around his nose.

Other Canal Street stereotypes are present with foul-mouthed binge drinking Bex, and the not quite camp enough Austin who struggles to gain entry into the clubs.

Central figure is the introspective Dex who struggles with the fast-paced lifestyle of the village, against the desire to calm down and lead a life that is more meaningful than buy one get one free offers on alcopops.

The story line was somewhat fizzy and at times it felt like I was watching an episode of Skins, but overall the subject matter was fresh and offered a previously unseen perspective to the village.

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