Getting Here, Isaac's Bar, Ipswich

Naomi Cassidy

UNBEKNOWN to many of the drinkers at Isaac's Bar in Ipswich, something quite different was happening upstairs.

A crowd of people had gathered to watch Eastern Angles' latest offering, Getting Here, in a rather different venue than usual-the top of the historic Isaac Lord building by the Waterfront.

The play, written and directed by the theatre company's artistic director Ivan Cutting, explored the topic of personal history, by telling the stories of a Portuguese couple, an Afro-Caribbean pilot, and two Polish young women.

The 70-minute play, which is part of the Ip-art Festival, is constantly on the move-with scenes taking place in two different rooms and a corridor, which ties in with the immigration theme. Some people bought foldable seats with them, which is advisable if you cannot stand for a long time, although there are a few chairs scattered around.

I felt the movement between the rooms added a special dimension, as it helped scenes to flow.

The audience is also very much a part of the play as it is set up as though they are passengers on a flight. Rather than just being spectators, they have the chance to interact with the five talented actors and are part of the scenes, without taking away anything from the action. I thought this really worked and was a welcome and unique feature of the production

However I found the actual story wasn't that engaging as it was fantasy-based and appeared confusing at times. For me, it became clearer what was happening towards the end and that is when some really poignant pieces came into play.

Getting Here is on from now until Sunday July 12 (excluding Monday July 6) at 6pm and 8pm (plus some matinees).

For tickets call 01473 211498 or visit www.easternangles.co.uk