Alligators

Jaws that Bite, Claws that Snatch

Alligators

by Andrew Keatley

Putney Theatre Company in the Studio at Putney Arts Theatre until 22^nd February

Review by Polly Davies

Andrew Keatley’s Alligators is a tough but rewarding watch.  The programme rightly contains a few trigger warnings about the adult themes and language that are an intrinsic part of the play.  The intimate setting of the Studio pulls the audience into the deftly constructed comfortable domestic living room.  Children’s toys scattered on the rug, a baby photo on the bookshelf, furniture and pictures suggest a happy middle-class family home.  A TV on the wall ingeniously shows the passage of time as Daniel and Sally find their predictable world increasingly turned upside down. 

As the story develops, the set stays the same, the backdrop to the drama that sees their certainties disintegrate, and their relationship challenged by the events they face.  Events that we rarely see examined from this perspective.  The play throws a light on the personal toll that follows when you become the story, on the waves that ripple out to the immediate and wider family, and ultimately engross the ever prurient community. 

Amanda Benzecry’s sympathetic direction means the play loses none of its dramatic effect, more than once there were “oh’s” from the audience as new developments were revealed.  And all the time there is the dilemma.  What and whom do we believe. 

Jim Dixon’s performance as Daniel is outstanding.  Equally at ease as the happy husband and devoted Dad, the empathetic teacher confronted with a series of unsettling unknowns, and the normal guy confronting his re-interpreted past, now a stick to beat him with.  Daniel’s emotional collapse as events drive him to despair, is disturbing and utterly convincing.  Strong performances by Alexa Adam as Sally, and Demi Wallace as their daughter are critical to developing the story at every twist and turn.  Alexa’s loving but exhausted Mum, trying to keep things normal for the children whilst supporting her husband, got my admiration and understanding; not least when her patience starts to run thin at the end of the play.  Demi is convincing as the daughter, Genevieve, aware things are not right and trying to rationalise events that unsettle her happy home and schoolgirl life. 

Lily Barrett plays Rachel, the solicitor, drafted in to help Daniel try to make sense of the events that become more and more threatening.  The author cleverly contrasts the character of Daniel, caring, all too human, emotional, with that of the lawyer Rachel.  She has seen all this before, knows the intricacies of the law, and the best way to develop a defence.  Lily’s Rachel might have difficulty showing emotion, but knows when to present an invoice. 

So did I find the play enjoyable?  No, not conventionally so.  Compelling, thought provoking and skilful?  Absolutely.

Polly Davies, February 2025

Photography by Steven Lippitt