Home » Reviews » Drama » Review: Hot In Here, Gate Theatre

Review: Hot In Here, Gate Theatre

In many ways Hot In Here is like no other production. For a start, every performance is a Relaxed Performance so people can come and go as they wish. Which we don’t because we are completely enthralled by what is happening in front of us. But that’s not the point. The majority of the staging is traditional with the fourth wall observed, but that’s broken towards the end as the audience is encouraged to become part of a demonstration. Several trigger warnings are given in advance which could feel excessive but all of these decisions result in a wholly…

Summary

Rating

Excellent

Highly original and inspiring multi-media theatre that connects the global climate crisis with local experiences in a dextrous and heart-warming performance.

In many ways Hot In Here is like no other production. For a start, every performance is a Relaxed Performance so people can come and go as they wish. Which we don’t because we are completely enthralled by what is happening in front of us. But that’s not the point. The majority of the staging is traditional with the fourth wall observed, but that’s broken towards the end as the audience is encouraged to become part of a demonstration. Several trigger warnings are given in advance which could feel excessive but all of these decisions result in a wholly inclusive and collaborative atmosphere and the reciprocal warmth between spectator and performers here is one rarely experienced.

Hot In Here is a multi-media, high-energy, all-inclusive discussion about climate change. At the start of the piece, the three actors climb on a bike or jump and dance on platforms, generating energy for the show in real time. Screens show footage of young activists from around the world who talk about their experience of global warming. All dialogue, both video and live, is subtitled: yet another touch that increases the accessibility of the performance.

Throughout we are reminded of our privilege in residing in the global north: a piece of luck which means climate change is often a theoretical dilemma for us: recycle or go vegan? How sustainable is the source of that chicken we’re about to eat? Unlike those in the global south, some of whom are already clinging onto survival in life-limiting circumstances, we have the luxury of choice. But it is also made clear that those in power have absolute power, and it feels as if the choices the rest of us can make are worthless or inconsequential.

Live action takes the form of three UK-based characters, all of whom are experiencing the effects of the current climate crisis in different ways. Their stories resonate and are moving: they are slick, well-acted and serve to highlight the powerlessness of the individual. Political soundbites dovetail with the action, accentuating the influence of the wealthy to the detriment of poorer communities. Their stories come together at the end as they participate in a demonstration march in London. Members of the audience are given placards to hold up, they shout in unison and some come up to the stage to participate. It’s a joyous and immersive moment. And then, in a chilling change of atmosphere, we are reminded that the recent change in law means that it could be an offence for us to peacefully join in such a march outside Downing Street. We could be arrested. The point is well made.

This piece genuinely feels like a new form of theatre, connecting as it does the global with the local, engaging with the audience and elegantly discussing the reality of the changes that need to be made and by whom. It is collaborative across all dimensions: between devisors and producers, between forms of media, between the audience and the cast. It is tightly structured: this is clearly a piece that has been well thought through and elegantly written: every nuance is used to the right effect and just the right amount of time is spent at each venture. But more importantly it generates hope. The impassioned and eloquent voices of young people across the globe speak of love and give us hope. And that is something to celebrate.


Devised by: Leanne Henlon, Jade Franks and Tatenda Matsvai
Directed by: Hetty Hodgson
Co Produced by Pigfoot and Gate Theatre, commissioned and supported by Camden People’s Theatre
Pigfoot Producer: Camille Koosyial
Lighting & Dancefloor Designer: Jack Hathaway

Hot In Here plays at Gate Theatre until 24 June. Further information and bookings can be found here.

About Sara West

Sara is very excited that she has found a team who supports her theatre habit and even encourages her to write about it. Game on for seeing just about anything, she has a soft spot for Sondheim musicals, the Menier Chocolate Factory (probably because of the restaurant) oh & angst ridden minimal productions in dark rooms. A firm believer in the value and influence of fringe theatre she is currently trying to visit all 200 plus venues in London. Sara has a Master's Degree (distinction) in London's Theatre & Performance from the University of Roehampton.