Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
A clever idea takes this comedy about toxic relationships deep into the depths of hell, but it needs to reconsider its final message to avoid gaslighting victims of domestic abuse. Summary
Rating
Excellent
Lily is looking for the perfect relationship. She spends hours updating her dating app profile or doing glossy magazine questionnaires about relationships. So when she meets Simon she’s eager for it to work. And for a while it does. Simon appears the perfect boyfriend material, always looking to do whatever is needed to make her happy and fulfil her dream of the ideal relationship. But soon cracks appear, leaving her to wonder if it is him or her that is the problem here, seeking perfection when it can never really exist.
Snakeskin Suit starts as a charming, but maybe obvious rom-com; the romantic date with all their small talk, the best friend offering advice, and an ex who she may still have feelings for. Thankfully though writer J. Holtham delivers an early twist to move it immediately away from any will-they won’t-they story. And as twists go, it’s a big one, because Simon is the Devil. Not metaphorically but literally, although he has taken “kind of early retirement”. We’re left in little doubt it’s true before the end of the first scene, thus avoiding wasting any more time debating his credentials. It’s a wise choice, allowing us instead to dive deep into the rest of the story. It’s also a concept that leads to some wonderful fun as Lily realises he knows all her darkest secrets because – well, the Devil is the one who puts temptation in our path. Meanwhile, Simon has a few tricks up his sleeve to ensure their dates are perfect.
The early soft humour slowly changes as the relationship turns toxic. Simon reverts to character, because the Devil can’t really change what he truly is, and as Lily discovers, you don’t want to anger someone who can create Hell on earth! So, when she does question the relation, Simon does everything he can to change her mind.
It’s here that a big problem arises. This is without doubt a toxic relationship, but we also witness Lily being gaslit into questioning if it’s her fault, something that doesn’t feel adequately resolved come the conclusion. There’s obviously room for such doubts, but it sits a little uncomfortably that we’re left uncertain of the writer’s ultimate intention. If you’re tackling toxic relationships, to even suggest the other party is partially at fault is wrong! It does an injustice to survivors of domestic abuse and leaves a bitter taste at the end. Which is a real shame when everything else works so well.
But as with all Bespoke Plays, the point of these staged readings is to try out new work and give them a safe place to test the script. It’s testament to director Mimi Collins that you forget this is performed script in hand and with no real set, whilst Gabriel Burns’ sound and lighting take us deep into the looming Armageddon! Madeleine Herd and Jay Faisca as Lily and Simon work well together, so well in fact you do find yourself rooting for the devil, at least early on! They are more than ably supported by best friend Eva-Marie Kung and ex Tom Campion, who both double up as characters from the Devil’s past, an idea that could easily be expanded upon to add even more complexity to his supposedly reformed character.
Bespoke is a glorious addition to the London landscape and it has been a joy to be part of their first steps in establishing themselves here all the way from California. Snakeskin Suit is another success to add to their already growing catalogue. It’s a playful idea that breathes fresh life into that age old story of devil meets girl.
Written by: J. Holtham
Directed by: Mimi Collins
Composer and Lighting Design by: Gabriel Burns
Produced by: Bespoke Plays
Snakeskin Suit has completed its current run at The Union Theatre. You can find out more about Bespoke Plays here.
