Rob Ricards reviews opening night of BULL

Rob Ricards reviews the opening night of Ringside Theatre Company’s BULL by Mike Bartlett ^[1].

Who’s up for an uncomfortably riveting hour in the theatre? Blood sports have nothing on this tortuous play by Mike Bartlett and it’s all played out in an office.

Bull is such an apt title and the reasons most of the Western world stand against bullfighting, are all exposed in this arena. The damage to the bull from the spiking picadors, the taunting of the clowns, the baiting of the capes, down to the coup de grace of the sword.

Office politics at their most deadly are on display in order that the fittest should survive the cull. One of the three must go and two collude to ensure that the other is the marked man. The boss of course must decide, but by the time he arrives the decision is clear.

The audience on the first night truly felt the discomfort provided by the excellent cast, as became obvious during a Q&A following the performance.

The applause was loud and instantaneous and all praised the quality of the acting that had made them feel so strongly while they watched the torment open-mouthed.

If you miss this performance, you’ll miss something that will be talked about well into next year and will be quoted again and again whenever the subject of politics comes up, be it office or state.

The venue is comfortable and central with easy parking. Tickets are still available. Don’t miss out.

Review by Rob Ricards

Thomas – Edward Thorpe in Bull 2023 RTC – photo Casey Caruana