WINNINGS (Compacts)*****

 

By Dave

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P03qjE7QShw 

Available until: Unknown

We’ve kind of been putting off watching the last Compacts play. Once you’ve watched the last one, it’s over. It’s silly really. But it’s such a great series with an unbelievable range of stories, characters and ideas so it's been good having one more to look forward to. But Rick Allden's been waiting long enough!

Winnings is a lovely story to end with. It’s about something that we’ve been missing at times in recent years – generosity and humanity. Most people these days are just focused on the money. Money is very useful, I’m not saying it isn’t. It’s important in this play too. But there are other things that matter.

Rick Allden’s final play (in the Compacts series I mean, I’m sure he’ll write lots more plays) is about a man working in an arcade. He’s got himself into a bit of trouble. He’s a bit more generous than his boss wants him to be and okay, that can cause problems. But the desire to help people and bring them happiness, that’s always good to see. You don't need double-crossing and murders to make a good story. At least not if you're as good a writer as Rick.

The arcade worker seems to be outside, probably sitting on a bench. As he talks, he eats chips. I’m not sure if that was in the script or if it’s a really inspired piece of direction from Alice Eklund but the chips are used to illustrates points in the story. It’s really clever and it works. It’s also a sort of play on words because gambling chips can be used to represent money.

The man talks about some of the regulars at the arcade, including one elderly man. It’s a great piece of writing, compassionate without being slushy. Actor Sam Harding makes his character seem very genuine, very caring, but he knows how to take care of himself. I get the feeling he’s no pushover.

Another great play to end a brilliant and very enjoyable series.