Tim McConnell’s debut play is not just an adaption that focuses on birds. True, it is based on Aristophanes’ comedy of that name (“The Birds”), but the satire is be to found in the optimistic attempt by one ‘lost’ man, Plausible (Jacob Justice), to rule the universe in his own “Cloud Cuckoo Land”. It is about one man’s attempt to escape his native city in search of freedom. But that freedom is futile and cruel. Having met exiled David Cameron-cum-bird, Plausible commands – ironically – his birds build a wall in the sky (the audience can’t help but think of and laugh at contemporary demagogue Trump’s “Mexican Wall” promise).

It is about one man’s attempt to escape his native city in search of freedom.

Nor indeed can he really escape Athens’ hustle-bustle and lawsuits, which are replaced by bureaucrats and modern third-sector specialists: an economist who promises to “grow your economy”, a social media marketer (“the birds tweet for free”), a lawyer who wishes to consider the treaties involved.

And the play ends with the question: “Are penguins birds?” The truth is that it doesn’t matter.

Ellie Masterman’s comical portrayal of young Hope, the play’s possible protagonist – innocent and optimistic, yet realistic – offers an ironic travelling mate and counterpart to Plausible. It is she who appeases the birds’ scepticism: they could “star in a stage production about birds,” she says to laughter. And the play ends with the question: “Are penguins birds?” The truth is that it doesn’t matter.

Jordan Freud 

Image courtesy of Open Theatre