Review: Let’s Pause There, OSO Arts Centre

Review: Let’s Pause There, OSO Arts Centre

Summary

Rating

60

Good

Using an energetic, humorous mix of music and drama, Let’s Pause There thoughtfully engages with the audience to expose the hidden nature of trauma, and is a reminder of the reality of damaged mental health hidden in plain sight.

We first meet therapist Sebastian (Roger Parkins) in his counselling room, whereupon he immediately strides to the edge of the stage and addresses the audience directly, breaking the fourth wall. It’s an energetic start to the piece and one which facilitates a warmth and co-dependency with the audience who, in effect, become his therapist.  Sebastian is humorous and engaging but there’s a quiet sadness to his character. He’s very enthusiastic about his girlfriend for example, but there’s something about the relationship that doesn’t ring true.

Designer Sorcha Corcoran has created a set that in the main is a simple, functional counselling room (complete with the ubiquitous house plant), but it’s one that can transform into a train carriage or lift as required by the plot with the aid of effective lighting and sound. Both understated and complementary, it feels perfect for this show. 

The first half is darkly funny and dynamic as the action moves between Sebastian’s sessions with his patients and his interactions with his ex-wife Roberta, played outstandingly hilariously by Nieve Hearity. She simultaneously criticises him and offers disparaging remarks about his weight, appearance and sexual prowess, whilst vocalising her often racist opinions. Loudly and aggressively. But then she needs him to help her in her hospital visit and wonders why they don’t try again as a couple. 

The therapy sessions between Sebastian’s clients often take place simultaneously, with the dialogue flowing seamlessly across a silent and frustrated Sebastian who sits in the middle, structurally illustrating both his helplessness and the repetitive, almost tedious, nature of the issues arising. At points, Sebastian’s mind begins to wander, which becomes a prompt for almost Brechtian musical interludes performed by the rest of the cast. These are completely unexpected and laugh out loud funny. There is, however, definitely one too many of these skits, the last one being surplus to requirements. That aside, the structure of the piece is really well thought through. Too much serious therapy would become overwhelming, but this balance of delivery mechanisms, humour and music not only bring sharp relief, it emphasises the isolation that Sebastian experiences.

The mood of the piece changes dramatically in the second half. Serious and surprising revelations are made by the counselees, serving to remind us of the nature of trauma and how well it can be hidden, and then the truth of Sebastian’s relationship with his “girlfriend” is disclosed. Suddenly the humour has gone and anxiety replaces it. No spoilers here, but thankfully the ending is not the one I was worried it was going to be. 

All of the characters in this play are clichés, which at times can feel amateurish, but despite that, or because of it, it works. It is too easy to dismiss their mental health concerns as hypochondriasis; that’s a mistake. It is also too easy to forget about the role of the counsellor themselves. Who looks after their mental health? In a drama that plays with the concept of reality and belief it is apparent how easy it is to disguise true trauma.  Congratulations to Parkins as well. All characters are well played but it is his relationship with the audience that carries this piece. 

---

Written by: Russell Obeney and Andre Guindisson
Directed by: Ella Murdoch
Design by: Sorcha Corcoran

Let’s Pause There plays at OSO Arts Centre until 5 March 2023. Further information and bookings can be found here.