This is a play that is part comedy and part serious message theatre. Before the play proper starts we have an introduction from Graham MP for the Green party and brother of Andy, the central character and a green warrior who is prepared to do anything (apart from actually get a job and use his own money) to save the planet. He left his previous girlfriend Olivia for Kirsty as she had a rich father who could fund his plan to become carbon neutral. When we meet them they are living in Derek’s (Kirsty’s brother) flat and are about to sign forms to install solar power, generator, double glazing etc using daddy’s money. Russell the salesman has an excellent set of tactics to ensure he makes his sale and the deal is quickly made. Derek suddenly arrives but he only in transit and tries to get Kirsty to lay off spending dad’s money. Olivia turns up trying to get Andy back, but ends up leaving with Russell.
Six weeks later, we see the new house with their generator bike and natural furniture, and Russell back checking on their carbon credentials. Of course a few problems are found and more money is required. Derek returns to give some very bad financial news, Olivia returns with an offer Andy finds hard to refuse, Kirsty looks to have lost (or gained) everything she ever wanted and Andy gets exactly what he deserves.
Graham the MP is the funniest character in the play and was the most honest and likeable character. Derek was the dour Scot with the sensible comments about global warming. Russell was a selfish and amoral salesman but at least was honest about his dishonesty, Kirsty and Olivia just seemed malleable playthings for Andy’s affections and Andy himself was a selfish, self-centered, greedy and lazy man and I had no sympathy for his plight.
I was expecting a comic play and was rather disappointed that I couldn’t stand the main character and found it hard to sympathise with the situation he created for himself. The ideas about people’s attitudes to global warming were very well observed and maybe if people come to see this play with an open mind, they will see how petty and ridiculous many of the official pronouncements about a solution are.
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