Canvas review, Minerva

Michael Wynnes cracking comedy, The Priory, brought together a disparate group of characters on the Peter's Friends principle - the reunion of a social set whose lives have taken unexpected turns. His new play, Canvas, conversely conjures intimacy and revelation by throwing three sets of dysfunctional strangers into the same orbit on an idyllic, luxury, Welsh campsite.

Intents emotions

Within minutes of arrival, Alan and Justine's calm is disturbed when Bridget and Rory from the next tent, insist on setting up their stove and lanterns. Deeds done, their place is taken by the drab, distracted site owner, Bronwyn. Her presence attracts the final couple, city smoothie Alistair and his neurotic wife, Amanda. She is waving a complaints list: the eco loo's a stinker that her kids won't enter, and there's no garlic crusher.

We know our couples are externalising internal torment - and there's great fun when the gloves come off - but Canvas is too much of a whizz through Marriage Guidance prototypes. It's a bit like Ayckbourn's  Joking Apart which similarly places three new couples outside their comfort zones. There is much humour and the set is fabulous - a retractable tent that takes on the persona of each couple as required - but there's no real satisfaction in the neat, final outcome.

In conclusion: If you're in Chichester, Angus Jackson's production is worth a look. The small space at the Minerva smells of outdoors and Jonathan Fenson's set is fun, but the narratives need more ballast to work properly.

References
Chichester Festival Theatre, tickets
Charles Spencer review in The Daily Telegraph