Enter the corporate snake pit - Enron at The Lowry (From Messenger Newspapers)

Enter the corporate snake pit - Enron at The Lowry

10:13am Wednesday 20th October 2010 in Theatre Reviews By Rick Bowen

WRITING as somebody whose eyes glaze over at the mere mention of the word “financial”, I have to say I was totally engrossed in Enron.

The background to one of the world’s most notorious corporate scandals is ingeniously re-created in this very watchable play.

While crediting the audience with more than a modicum of intelligence, the piece handles a complicated subject in a highly entertaining way while, at the same time, not losing sight of the human cost of big business fraud.

Hence the powerful scene near the end of the play involving one of Enron’s bosses and a woman whose life is in ruins as a result of his and hs colleagues’ actions.

The man in question is Jeffrey Skilling and while this production is a triumph for the whole ensemble, Corey Johnson’s performance is particularly affecting. He really puts his heart and soul into bringing this character to life.

While the play, currently being staged at The Lowry, has its lighter moments, it doesn’t fall into the light entertainment category. You must be prepared to concentrate, so you can fully appreciate a portrait of the corporate world that is far from flattering. The phrase snakes in suits sprngs to mind. * Until October 23. The box office is on 0843 208 6000. Star rating - ****