Thomas Howells reviews Ross Salvage’s play, Drawing The Line performed by Newport Playgoers Society as part of their One-Act Play season.
Ross Salvage’s play: ‘Drawing the Line’ was a really entertaining comedy about a pair of step sisters who are total opposites of each other, reminiscent of ‘The Odd Couple’. The two main characters, Amy and Carys, are thrown together unexpectadly after their father’s will left Carys with 50% of Amy’s flat and their stormy relationship drives the narrative. but also reveals Amy’s want for a true friend and Carys’ longing for somewhere safe.
The set used was the home Amy had been living in and was the only thing she ever got from her father. It’s very well put together and fancy, perfectly fitting for a character like Amy. But not Carys. The atmosphere created is really calm, making it more intense when the mood does not reflect the frequent arguments between the pair.
We see Amy and Carys develop and realise, despite seemingly being complete opposites they actually compliment each other really well and aren’t so different. Carys sees in people what Amy doesn’t, Amy has the safety Carys doesn’t and they can work together to give each other their perfect lives. It’s very inspirational and I think it encourages us to learn a bit more about each other and not take everything at face value.
Emma Williams and Carys Hughes were perfect for their roles and every detail of them was made to be contrary. From the accents to outfits, nothing is the same. But this emphasises that we shouldn’t judge somebody’s values or decide their life’s perfect because of how they look. Even then, it can take digging and a lot of time to finally understand how somebody lives or how they feel.
Steve Drowley also has some wonderfully comedic moments as Parsons, a well meaning, but occasionally bumbling solicitor, who helps drive the story along and is a good fit with the two female leads ensuing circumstances.
While contemporary with some of its sensitive subject matter Drawing The Line maintained an air of comedic nostalgia, getting many laughs from the audience.. People who have enjoyed TV series or plays like The Odd Couple or Steptoe and Son would do well to catch any restaging of this play in the future.