Review: The Corpse in the Room, Calder Bookshop and Theatre 

Lambeth Fringe

Review: The Corpse in the Room, Calder Bookshop and Theatre 

Summary

Rating

80

Excellent

Beautifully transforms a disturbing and daunting subject into something accessible via an engaging experience that captivates and prompts deep reflection.

In this unique setting where life and death intersect, a murderer’s ‘girlfriend’ and the corpse of a former businessman go on a quest for understanding, each aiming to share insights about mortality. They have until dawn to gain a new appreciation for life, the afterlife, and each other. The Corpse in the Room is both insightful and poignant, with clever comedic moments providing much-needed relief from the heavy themes and existential reflections, and allowing the audience to take a breather from the profound narrative.

Emily Gibson here demonstrates her talent as a writer, skilfully capturing the intricacies of human relationships and creating dialogue that flows seamlessly through a range of emotions. The characters’ decision to withhold their names from one another creates an intimate yet peculiar dynamic in their relationship. This choice serves to remind the audience of the length of time the couple has known each other, while simultaneously emphasising the simplicity of their love. 

Gibson also takes on the role of ‘the Woman’, showcasing her exceptional acting skills. Her body language and use of facial expressions vividly reflect the spectrum of emotions her character undergoes. She conveys everything from madness to blissful delusion, revealing the deep pain she carries and the subtle shifts as she navigates her feelings for someone, all while grappling with her fears.

Ilya Wray portrays ‘the Corpse’, his performance brilliantly conveying the emotions of a man coming to terms with his own death. His character adds a much-needed sense of tranquillity to the scenes. Ilya’s graceful movements across the stage, especially during the dancing, perfectly embody his ‘ghostly’ demeanour.

This was my first experience at Calder’s Bookshop and Theatre and it’s a gorgeous venue. Its intimacy along with a small cast enhance the production’s impact, deepening the play’s message. The minimal lighting effectively sets the tone, transitioning from cold to warm and back again. The simple set, designed as an apartment with some furniture, boxes, and a radio in the corner, adds visual interest and allows for dynamic movement throughout the performance. Using contrasting costumes and makeup works very well in conveying the societal differences between the two and helps exaggerate the metaphorical gap between them. However, the seating arrangement (and my lack of height) did mean I missed most of the floor scenes, some of which seemed quite vital to the storyline. 

With its compelling performances and insightful dialogue, this theatrical piece invites viewers to contemplate their own relationships with mortality and the preciousness of life. It needs to be brought to a larger audience and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a reflective theatrical experience.

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Written by: Emily Gibson
Directed by: Emma Gibson & Joshua Robey
Produced by: Tom Shortland & Whole Headache Productions

The Corpse in the Room runs at Calder Bookshop & Theatre until Friday 27th September. Further information and booking details can be found here.