'Sound Bite' at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
At the beginning the two NASA press officers in charge of composing Neil Armstrong's first words on the moon reminded me of Lister and Rimmer from Red Dwarf, one uninterested in his work and the other trying too hard. But they become more complex as we learn more about their backgrounds through the discussions and arguments that occur whilst they are supposed to be working.
The play cleverly makes jokes about the past, and what we have learnt about those times with the benefit of hindsight, but it's central theme is about drawing parallels between the landing on the moon and the feminist movement, which I'd never considered before.
Whilst the comedy (and the American accents) faltered at times the good moments outweighed the bad. The acting was a bit stiff at the beginning but I'll put that down to opening night nerves, as they improved once they warmed up.
Staged with audience space for less than 30 people, set close to the stage, you feel the claustrophobia as the clock ticks on, and the play teases you, dropping odd words or phrases for Armstrong's finished line until you find yourself thinking "come on, you're so close!"
All in all, this play wasn't outstanding but it was enjoyable and I'd recommend it if you have an evening free.
***
Sound Bite continues through Saturday, 8pm. Tickets £5-7
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