Review: Are We Doing This Right? Hen and Chickens Theatre

The title of Are We Doing his Right? raises a question which many people will ask of themselves and friends throughout their lives, especially during their early adult years, trying to balance their work and personal lives, their ambitions and the realities of how to earn a living. This alone would be an interesting concept to explore, but writer and producer Honor Koe has combined it with a creative meta exploration of the processes of developing a play.

This dual concept is cleverly revealed as we are introduced to Koe’s (unnamed) character delivering an engaging monologue about childhood tragedy, which is absorbing, creates empathy and sets up her character arc. Koe is jolted out of this by the arrival of Ned Campbell as her likewise unnamed friend and housemate, wondering why she is speaking to herself in an accent. Koe portrays an aspiring writer/actress who is rehearsing the opening of a play she is slowly writing, whilst balancing her menial career and enjoying her life. Campbell portrays the seemingly more settled friend, with an established (although unfulfilling) career. Neither is fully satisfied with life: she encourages him to seek a more engaging job, whilst he motivates her to fulfil her potential and finish her play. Both present a good case for their approaches to life as they ponder what they should truly place value on.

Koe and Campbell share excellent chemistry and are immediately believable as lifelong friends. Koe’s script provides plenty of witty banter and heartfelt moments between them, which they enhance with subtle gestures as they support, challenge and joke with each other. Director Benedict Esdale maintains energy and balance within the fast-paced character drama, with thoughtful contemplations on life choices. Music is creatively used to transition between scenes, and a spotlight distinguishes the play-within-a-play.

Koe’s insightful analysis of the elements of playwriting provides a fascinating extra layer, especially in the meta-approach which embeds these within the show itself. There are discussions on how to craft an opening to hook the audience, the merits of a one person show against having two characters to enable clever dialogue; how accents allow actors to demonstrate their range; and how to seek inspiration and perseverance to write something you are passionate about.

Although there are frequent mentions of their interactions in the wider world, most often the pub, the story takes place entirely in the combined living room/kitchen of the shared flat. A lot of thought has gone into the set design by Amber Wild, which makes the space feel natural and lived in. The set includes all the expected furnishings, which the cast interact with: comfy chairs (true to life, the friends each have a favourite seat), table and fridge, with jackets hanging up by the door. But it is also full of smaller details tucked away in the corners to be noticed; a clothes rack full of joint laundry, along with plenty of empty glasses and bottles, emphasise the lack of free time they have to prioritise cleaning. Wild’s costume design also subtly reflects the different personalities of the friends; Koe wears light coloured tank top and trousers to suggest her more relaxed and carefree nature, whilst Campbell’s darker t-shirt, jeans and suit highlight his more serious and formal approach to career.

This is a thoughtful and absorbing debut play by Koe, who clearly drew from her own experiences and passions to develop it. The dual story aspects complement each other very well: it is enjoyable for the drama exploring the challenges which life can bring and for the delightful meta commentary on the struggles of a playwright.

Written by Honor Koe
Directed by Benedict Esdale
Produced by Honor Koe
Set and costume design by Amber Wild

Are We Doing This Right? plays at Hen and Chickens Theatre until Saturday 24 May.