‘Fitfully amusing’ – God Of Carnage on the Lyric Hammersmith assessment

Two units of fogeys meet informally to debate the end result of a struggle between their respective sons. They are all members of the petit bourgeoisie, though some are extra petit than others.

What begins as a civilised chat about duty and recompense for 2 lacking tooth descends right into a rancorous battle between the 4 that exposes the sharp edges dividing social class, politics and even genders.

Yasmina Reza’s play – successfully translated by Christopher Hampton – has misplaced one thing since its UK premiere in 2008 and the decline from well mannered comedy to vicious farce now appears clumsily engineered.

Director Nicholai La Barrie choreographs the motion on an virtually imperceptibly revolving stage leading to occasional blocked sightlines from the fashionable furnishings. There can be a crashing gear change from astringent negotiation to bloodletting insult when alcohol loosens tongues and inhibitions.

The interracial {couples} are a refreshing innovation (the play and the next movie are performed white) however the subtler transitions have been undone by overwrought performances.

Freema Agyeman because the sufferer’s mom, Veronika (who’s writing a guide about Darfur), raises low-cost laughs along with her more and more diva-like gestures whereas her husband Michael (Martin Hutson) unhelpfully pours whisky on troubled waters.

The fixed interruptions of the wrongdoer’s lawyer dad Alan (Ariyon Bakare), who’s repping a pharma firm in a civil lawsuit, are as refined as a sledgehammer, particularly when a extremely unlikely coincidence raises its head about an untested drug.

Stuffing his face with clafoutis, Alan exhibits his colors by being extra involved concerning the stains on his coat than the well being of his spouse Annette (Dinita Gohil) when she throws up spectacularly over the espresso desk and invaluable artwork guide.

Fitfully amusing.

God Of Carnage,  Lyric Hammersmith till September 30 Tickets: 020 8741 6850