Review of ‘L’Addition’: “Too many ideas yet to un-wine-d”

The 40th anniversary edition of the Force Entertainment festival welcomes the London premiere of this two-hander comedy revolving around, quite literally, the pouring of liquor. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this bottle-shock farce features enough sway to leave its audiences intoxicated.

There are just as many things that one can do when it comes to pouring their liquids. Sip them, taste them, drink them, maybe spit it if the consistency is run its course, and of course, spill it all around. Before anyone puts their hands on their head (or somewhere else…), let me just clarify that I’m talking about wine. If you want something filthy, go watch an Oreo commercial – I mean, can you really interpret the “open them, lick them, suck them and dip them in milk” in any other way?! Come on! Well, actually, please don’t.

By now, you may be wondering: what’s the purpose of all this? The answer is easy: reading me is the only thing that gives life any meaning. But as for the motive behind this intro, the thing is that that’s exactly what the show is about: two guys emptying their imaginary bottles (enough!) over and over again. The cup overflows (…) and the scene resolves. And as soon as that happens, the panto ghost (metaphorically) emerges. We’ll have to do it again then, won’t we? Ooooh!!!!… Halt.

Presented within the Force Festival 40th anniversary edition, L’Addition, a merge between situational humour and experimental theatre by Tim Etchells, gives us the best and worst of both genres. Relying on organic jokes, combined with bits of slapstick and other sorts of visual comedy, the premise (as well as some of its unraveling) manages to land with decent effect. There are moments that are absolutely hysterical, and as the performance keeps building up, so does its enticement… right until the opposite takes over.

It’s just a bit too much. That’s the ongoing impression that, little by little, solidifies as the montage keeps reviewing the same subject over and over (and over) again. The saddest part, though, is that the problem does not stem from the act of repetition per se, but its execution instead.

There’s nothing wrong about exploiting a concept as much as you can in order to explore all the possibilities it can offer. If done properly, that can genuinely lead to a marvelous outcome. But for that to occur, all those chances have to be considered and acknowledged. Unfortunately, the growing vibe is that the author moves in the contrary direction – hinting elements of increasingly absurd, edgier situations. But for some reason, he opts to let them all go by the end – leaving its audience with a diluted substitute that, as a result, struggles to give much of an aftertaste.

Of course, there’s still praise to be given to the two performers that, quite laudably, are still able to carry the show all throughout with impressive stamina. Proving exceptional comedic skills, especially regarding timing and naturalness, Bert and Nasi are surprisingly memorable through this piece – despite the material striving to flaunt the same qualities. Exuding great chemistry and flair in their portrayals, their enticing whimsicality and almost contagious drollery are, by all means, the most robust components in the entire production – keeping the energy high at every bit and, to some extent, helping preserve the interest throughout the jaunt; even when the script comes in the way.

Offering a large serving of promising ideas, L’Addition uncorks a stream of potential for an evening of uproarious amusement, but it’s unable to come through in its final stage by not letting its material ferment enough into something less brut and better balanced. Though putting a lot of effort into its delivery, the basis of its content feels nonetheless lazy, and it will not be until those elements are amended that its finish, however dry it’s intended, still accomplishes a more compelling aroma. It may be considerable in length, but its the intricacy that ultimately allows for the more pleasant mouthfeel… I know you love me.

All pictures credit to Christophe Raynaud de Lage and Vincent ZoBLER.

L’Addition plays at London’s Battersea Arts Centre until 16 November. Tickets are available on the following link. Forced Entertainment’s 40th anniversary season concludes at Battersea Arts Centre with If All Else Fails, which will be playing from 19 November to 23 November.

By Guillermo Nazara