Eric vs The Beaver is on for a 3-night run at 53Two Theatre in Manchester. It’s about Eric (Harry Wright) , who for several reasons is unable to hold down a steady job and has decided that becoming a sex worker might be the way forward. His boyfriend Harry (Mo Caldon), who has a rather more exotic and lucrative profession (which is revealed later), isn’t enthusiastic. The rest of the first scene is about establishing the ground rules, which is done with humour and genuine tenderness, and appropriately forceful language.
After a scene change, we meet Debbie (Charlotte Dalton) and husband Charlie (Jamie Peacock) in the bedroom on their 10th wedding anniversary. Things have been a tad rocky between them for months and “intimacy” hasn’t been on the agenda. No spoilers here, but the reason comes out about halfway through. There is humour here too but the pent-up frustration on both sides explodes into rage. It’s very well done, and at the interval there are a few loose ends to ponder on.
In the second act we’re back at Eric and Harry’s flat where Eric is nervously waiting for his first client – Debbie obviously. The opening exchanges are hilarious, but things are interrupted. Again, no spoilers here, but the ensuing melee is truly wonderful to watch.
It’s a really good evening that covers a lot of ground, and all four characters – hapless Eric, dark Harry, sassy Debbie, and wretched Charlie – are all very convincing. The end is a bit surprising, but it’s ultimately a sort of happy one.
Eric vs The Beaver continues at 53Two until the 19th of September.
Paul Schofield for Canal Street Media.