The Spear Carrier

Presented by Ensemble Theatre

Reviewed by Catherine Hollyman

Nathan (Jamie Oxenbould) is part of the cast of Hamlet. They’ve been touring now for over 150 performances and Nathan, a mere support character relegated to the chorus, is feeling the effects of repetition. He stands, bored, at the back of the stage holding a spear whilst the handsome but wooden actor Jamie destroys the title role, and Veronica – the love of Nathan’s life – doesn’t even give him a second glance.

As he watches the play, quietly reciting the words, Nathan lets his mind wander off. The result is The Spear Carrier.

A play within a play always intrigues me – there’s something about the parallels that draws me in. The character on stage is actually just ‘one of us’, making his plight all the more believable. And Oxenbould doesn’t fail to draw the audience in. He is entertainment personified, effortlessly holding our attention in his grasp for a full 75 minutes.

Director Mark Kilmurry has established an entire new world with just one actor, a set consisting of only a chair and door, and clever use of sound and lighting. With no distractions, all eyes are focused on Nathan and we travel with him, the underdog, as he battles against unseen demons.Every single one of us willing him to win.

Does he? That would be telling!