Set in London in 1987, when greed was the theme of the day, this is a mystery, a social commentary and a musical all wrapped into one.
Apparently when it was first produced, traders used to come in groups to see it, not getting the point that their behaviour was disapproved.But Caryl Churchill certainly captured the frantic energy, noise and obsenity of the trading floor, now largely gone to computer.
This is a very high energy production with a high energy cast. Marla McLean as Scilla Todd is theonly cast member playing one part, probably because she is already inhabiting two worlds as a trader and an old money heiress.
Graeme Somerville delivers another great performance, firmly establishing himself as one of the Shaw stars. Ali Momen is another actor to watch.
Although I really liked the productions of "The Doctor's Dilemma", "An Ideal Husband" and "Half an Hour", I think this was my favourite from this season.I like it when a playwright has a point of view and doesn't try to be balanced – that's the audiences job, the playwright is supposed to try and win us over to her point of view.I think Cathy misunderstood the City's group bookings – they got the point and revelled in it. They were players in the hottest game in town and if you were too chicken to play well, then bugger you!"Pissed and promiscuous the money's ridiculous"The prologue from "The Stockjobbers" highlighted the point that, although the play is set in 1987, it was equally appropriate in restoration times, and now and, i am sure anytime this play is performed.Unlike some of the stuff Soulpepper has been reviving, this play does not seem dated at all.Well, I guess it is clear I like the play; I also really liked the production- the energy and attitude crackled off the stage.It shows what a strong company this is when actors can flip from Shavian comedy/commentary to Caryl Churchill's very different take, even if she and Shaw probably wouldn't have a lot to disagree about. (Although I am sure they would have both tried hard to find something.)