Richmond Shakespeare Society’s production of David Mamet’s ‘American Buffalo’ at the Mary Wallace Theatre brought the Windy City to life in Southwest London.
Set in a 1970s Chicago junk shop, owner Donny mistakenly sells a Buffalo nickel for less than he believes it’s worth and plans to steal it back with his protégé Bobby and associate Teach.
The performances of the three actors were outstanding, alongside the ingenious staging and costumes.
Director Fiona Smith said: “This play is Waiting for Godot with swearing.”
The constant will-we-won’t-we of the robbery was gripping, and tension built as cracks began to show in the relationships between the characters.
Eric Petrossian, who played Donny, perfectly encapsulated the caring yet authoritative junk shop owner, with use of subtle but telling gestures and expressions.
He navigated the balance between father-figure and self-interested businessman fantastically. This was a brilliant return to the stage after 20 years.
Donny’s protégé, Bobby, played by William Hunter, was depicted persuasively, building a perfect balance between comic relief and the tragically loyal addict, whose dedication to Donny proves injurious for him.
Hugh Cox, who portrayed Teach, bounced off Petrossian’s character seamlessly.
Although the characters were total opposites – Donny more the voice of reason, Teach gruff and excitable – the pair were able to negotiate that relationship effectively.
Cox joked: “We’re very much like that in real life, the two of us!”
Hunter said: “In Teach’s head, he’s some sort of swaggering 70’s gangster, and he’s not.”
Cox explained that Teach was probably a very lonely man, and continued: “You never know what lies beneath the moustache.”
The costumes were brilliantly executed, with particular dedication when it came to facial hair.
Cox, who has grown a handlebar moustache for the production, explained that when he went to the Olympics in Paris, security picked him out of thousands of people to be frisked.
He said: “It could only be the moustache!”
Petrossian, Hunter, and Cox have all dedicated themselves to growing their hair out, including sideburns to fit the 70’s style. Petrossian said: “I just really want a haircut!”
The scenery and props were exceptional. Designed by Junis Olmscheid, the stage was full of 70’s Americana.
Smith explained: “We have no contemporary stuff. It’s dedication down to the nth.”
Hunter added: “Every little thing, there’s a story there.”
And it’s true. Down to the posters on the wall, even the labels on the beer cans, the set team left nothing to be desired.
The mural behind the shop’s window, painted by Paul Don Smith, was also beautiful. The artistry behind the mural of the Chicago skyline is applause-worthy.
Cox said: “You could have this stage on the West End.”
Cox added: “There’s a thriving amateur-dramatic community in the borough of Richmond.
“It doesn’t matter what your age is, what your gender is, what your politics are, there’s roles for everyone in theatre.”
Hunter added: “One thing about amdram (amateur dramatics) is, generally, as people, you have to be fairly non-judgmental to do it.
“I think if you’re going in with a closed mind, it’s probably not the right idea.”
Richmond Shakespeare Society truly seems like a place where everybody is welcomed with open arms and encouraged to take part.
The next production at the Mary Wallace Theatre will be Arden of Faversham by a young Shakespeare and a senior collaborator from 26 October to 2 November 2024. Tickets go on sale this Monday on: https://www.richmondshakespeare.org.uk/.
Guidance for the show – Contains extremely offensive, racist, and homophobic language, and scenes of violence.
Image by Charlotte Horobin – Permission to use
