Blue/Orange - Everyman Studio Theatre, Cheltenham

I have hardly ever afforded a performance a standing ovation. That I should do so surrounded by an audience of little over a dozen enthralled spectators makes such an occurrence even more remarkable. Moreover, the three outstanding actors even enjoy the luxury of those privileged few stepping forward to shake their hands in deserved congratulation. Yet after savouring this quality production of Joe Penhall’s sobering take on the National Health Service, is it any wonder?

Throat-grabbing from the start, BlueOrange is a darkly comical but explosive satire on an institution hidebound by procedures and populated by individuals jockeying for importance and academic recognition. It should also be playing to full houses in the Everyman’s main auditorium.

Christopher is a disturbed, though perceptive, young man on the eve of his release from 28-day Section 2 order. He believes he is the son of erstwhile Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, and that the oranges sold from his White City market stall are blue, strange ideas hardly conducive to his cause. Squabbling over his immediate and long-term future are idealistic fresh-faced psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Flaherty and world-weary senior consultant Dr. Robert Smith. The three-way verbal tug-of-war is intensely absorbing, thought-provoking and so convincing, it is hard to believe that there is even a script at all. Indeed, the intermittent fluffed lines merely add greater realism to this sharply-observed and brilliantly performed piggy-in-the-middle match.

Ultimately, Sam Berger’s taut production prompts profound reflections on our own muddled preconceptions on race and mental illness, frequently borders on the cathartic, and makes for quite exceptional viewing.

Simon Lewis