OLD VIC THEATRE

I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation between us and everyone else on this planet. The President of the United States, a gondolier in Venice, just fill in the names. I find it A) extremely comforting that we're so close, and B) like Chinese water torture that we're so close because you have to find the right six people to make the right connection... I am bound to everyone on this planet by a trail of six people.

John Guares Six Degrees of Separation deliberates the idea that any two individuals are connected by five others. In the age of social networking five people may seem somewhat excessive. However the paradox that we are all interconnected but are becoming increasingly isolated is perhaps even more pertinent now than at the plays inception.

New Yorks plush Upper Eastside becomes a world of opportunity for young con artist Paul (Omid Abili). He mysteriously shows up at the Kittredge familys front door, injured and bleeding, claiming to be the son of Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poiter and a close college friend of the couples Ivy League offspring. Perhaps society has become a little more sceptical in taking one another at face value. But its 1990 so the Kittredges cant suss Paul out in a few clicks by using Google or Wikipedia. Paul's promise of roles in his fathers new movie adaption of the musical Cats smoothes away any doubt that the man might not be who he says he is.

Pauls newly created persona allows him to gracefully enter the affluent and liberal world that should only be six degrees away but is completely out of his league because of his race, class and sexuality.

Performances across the large cast of 16 were all of a particularly high standard. The ever so stroppy teenagers definitely deserve mention for their sparkling performances. Lesley Manville gives a touching performance as the beautifully spoken Ouisa Kittredge while Antony Heads performance of the slick and wealth driven art dealer, Flan is most impressive.

However the star of the show is no doubt Omid Abili, a con man par excellence. He adds plenty of charm while maintaining the characters dangerous edge. He also partakes in some rather brave willy waggling alongside his rent boy. I was clearly not the only person in the audience to be taken by surprise. Sensitive viewers be warned!

Six Degrees of Separation is self consciously intellectual and inspires plenty of thought. The production is light, witty and sharp and keeps it's audience on their toes thoughout. Guares satire feels contemporary however every now and again it reveals its age. The fall of apartheid and the rise of the internet draw attention to the fact that the play is almost 20 years old.

It was evident why the Old Vics lovely big auditorium was full for this witty and thought provoking performance. No interval means the show is over by 9.10pm which leaves plenty of time for a leisurely dinner or drink in the Old Vics Pit Bar.