As the weather cools, Falcon Theatre is producing a fiery-hot Regional Premiere of Tinderbox by Lucy Kirkwood. Set in fictional 21st-century England, the playwright’s first full-length offering is a dark comedy which addresses English nationalism, survival, and the grim truths surrounding a society on the verge of collapse.
The Production Team
Producing Artistic Director Ted Weil takes the reins on this production with expert hands. While the show is not strictly dependent on farce, timing is key. Especially when there is a solid ebb and flow of appropriate pacing throughout. Mr. Weil keenly uses a great deal of physicality in his blocking. He also uses the playing space to its fullest. Further, his scenic design complements the story and the actor’s movements quite well. I also admire the details in achieving the shabby appearance of the shop. Ideal additions to this mix in this prop-heavy show, Faith Von Handorf excels as Props Design while Costume Design by Corinne Felt includes wonderful details.
In a show with several dialects, special kudos to Dialect Coach Kate Glasheen for her consistent and effective teaching skills; every actor nails their dialects without wavering.
The Performing Artists
Tinderbox boasts one of the most exceptional ensembles of performing artists I have seen to date. Credited simply as Clown 1 and Clown 2, Mike Spitz and Torie Pate Perdue play each role handed to them with confidence and the goods to back it up. Their scenes are excellent punctuations to the action.
Jamie Sivrais is remarkable as Saul, the local butcher who is set in his ways. Mr. Sivrais is a dynamic actor who leans into his character’s brutish manner but is still able to elicit a wave of sympathy from the audience which is no small feat. Samantha Joy Weil shines as Vanessa, a complicated yet lovable character. Ms. Weil offers an enviable physicality to her character approach while remaining present and expressive at all times.
Finally, Phineas Clark’s portrayal of Perchick is second to none. With the most intricate character path, Mr. Clark does not disappoint; he ably depicts an outsider who is both endearing and shrewd without a hitch.
The Sweet and Lowdown
While Ms. Kirkwood’s representation of a dystopian future has some weaknesses (some of her ideas could have been pushed much further), I would have to say it is a rather timeless story of the fear many people have of the downfall of their existence and/or society as a whole. No one wants to think about how they’d react when faced with diminishing resources or a very real concern for their future. But change is inevitable and those who choose to deny it may be left behind.
Even with this quirky look at such prospects, Tinderbox serves as a wise reminder that we must do our best to adapt when things look bleak. We’re all in this together, after all.
Falcon Theatre’s Tinderbox runs now through November 21st, 2026. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, please visit here.
