What's On In London

(Feb. 2004) * * * *

Hoffmann-Gill as Barry Ireland

Hard Graft Theatre Company present two of the most inept burglars to have ever kicked in a door and one of the funniest double acts to hit the stage in recent years. Barry Ireland played by Daniel Hoffmann-Gill, is a two time loser who has done time for breaking into a job centre. He now robs to feed his unfaithful wife and three kids, none of whom are his. Steph Aston, played by writer Mark Whiteley, is laughed at behind his back by all his criminal mates. He dreams of becoming a criminal mastermind with a rep named 'The Earl'.

The turning point in the lives of the two bungling burglars comes when they rob the flat of a pensioner who's supposed to be on holiday in Spain having just spent the insurance money he got from the last time he was burgled. Instead of the flat full of brand new goods they come across two corpses. The first is that of a dead budgie - second is the old man himself.

In the heated atmosphere of the council flat the two try and decide what to do next. The choices they make will determine the future course of their lives. They can make their reputations as real bad - ass criminals who nobody messes with or they can turn their lives around and become something more than they currently are.

The authenticity of Whiteley's tight witty script comes from his former career as a burglar. What makes the show hilarious however is the onstage chemistry between Whiteley and Hoffmann-Gill and the perfect comic timing of their performances. This is a show that will have you crying out with laughter - without shielding you from the grim realities of a criminal's life. Recommended

****

Jaspre Bark