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This dark comedy tackles a host of divisive, controversial issues. Summary
Rating
Good
Apricot opens with the two lead characters, Angel (Jaz Tizzard) and Gina (Lucy Nicholson), staring at a bowl covered with a tea towel that contains the remnants of Angel’s abortion. This opening scene may suggest a potentially uncomfortable evening ahead, but despite the serious and controversial themes, Gigi Rice’s writing brings wit and humour to the stage.
The play highlights the moral ambiguity around abortion. Tizzard and Nicholson play an unlikely pair of friends: Angel has no problem with using abortion as birth control, and Gina’s disapproval of her friend’s actions grows steadily throughout. But the character of Angel feels slightly underdeveloped. We do not see the true motives behind her choices to have multiple abortions, despite her rant about how access to birth control is presided over by medical professionals. Gina’s motives are clearer: her parents are in the priesthood, and it is clear that she shares their beliefs. As time goes on her God complex develops, but the character still maintains the childlike naivety that present at the start. It also touches on the male experience of abortion, as Caleb (Finlay Vast Lane) states that Angel’s pregnancies are ‘half of him’. His excitement when he believes he is finally going to be a father, and reaction when he hears of Angel’s miscarriage is heartbreaking.
Rice’s comedic writing is excellent. It is not clear when the play is set, but the characters all reference Snapchat whilst also using the terms ‘butters’ and ‘wet’, which made the time ambiguous. There are plenty of ‘laugh out loud’ moments, including some very witty one liners; ‘that’s an ironic use of a bag for life’, whilst costume choices elicit a huge amount of laughter from the audience. The entrance of a baby Jesus doll, who has clearly been part of a nativity set for over thirty years, is another comedic highlight.
Between each scene, there are soundscapes that contain news clips of coverage of the overturning of Roe vs Wade in 2022, expertly crafted by Sarah Cameron-West. The lighting design by Fergus O’Loan brings the performance to life in a simple way, but this fits the performance well. The characters of Angel and Gina show the angst and complexity of teenage female friendships. They are not afraid to be true to themselves and to share these feelings with each other. The themes of the play are raw and relevant, and alongside the witty writing, make an entertaining and thought-provoking performance.
Written by: Gigi Rice
Directed and produced by: Lucy Nicholson
Set & Costume Design by: Clare Nicholson
Lighting Design by: Fergus O’Loan
Sound Design by: Sarah Cameron-West
Apricot has completed its current run.
