Review: A Modern Town, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

An intelligent piece of new writing from the When I Say Jump company, A Modern Town uses the small, fictional Devonshire market town of Newton Bassett as a metaphor for the effect of corporatist progress upon the character of the nation.***

When Joe Webber inherits his father’s small store after he dies, he’s approached by three suited, sharp-talking “investors” from London, who convince him they can build something great in the town if he only accepts their advice and loan of capital. Reluctantly, Joe goes along with them, but as his business grows, his evangelism convinces other townsfolk to come on board with a project to create Britain’s first entirely private town. Naturally it all comes tumbling down when things don’t go according to plan and the possibility of repossession or onerous remortgaging emerges, and by this point no-one is convinced by Joe’s “what’s the point in something if it doesn’t make money?” motto.

It’s a play which is slow to get going and perhaps hindered by a slightly too-large ensemble cast, but the folk song links add a resonant sense of place and some intimate scenes detailing the effect of the tide of capital on the local farmer and the stuffy, fairground-owning local councillor are very well played. A decent play, then, blessed with some special, emotionally resonant moments.

Until 27 August. Today 4pm.