Review: the supermodel in the caff, The Hope Theatre

We can too easily form a snap judgement about strangers and casual acquaintances, with nothing more than a quick glance from which to form our opinions. They no doubt do the same to us.  In the supermodel in the caff, writer and solo performer Emma Bentley explores the viewpoints of four compelling characters whose outward personas conceal hidden depths. 

Bentley is immediately full of charisma, welcoming the audience with a friendly chat about their caff breakfasts of choice to set the scene, before presenting the viewpoint of each character in turn.  As each describes their own sense of self and perceptions of the others, we learn that external appearances are rarely a reflection of someone’s true self.  Everywoman Nessa is full of charm yet plagued by self-doubt, stretching out her mug of tea whilst questioning her right to take up a table by herself.  Whilst others may be intimidated or disgusted by homeless Janey’s nervous energy, she is upbeat and kindly for having lived a hard life.  Waitress Ellen is hilariously shallow but full of enthusiasm and aspirations as she tries to move on from her past.  The titular supermodel, Bea, is far from the confident and successful persona others know her as.  Despite their outward differences, they are all more alike than they could possibly imagine.

Bentley’s engaging and witty script provides a distinct voice that brings each persona to life, as each reveals their true personalities and life stories. They evoke empathy for how they have been misjudged by others.  The vivid descriptions of how they each perceive the others in vastly different ways than how they view themselves are a thought-provoking lesson on the perils of making a quick judgment without a deeper understanding of someone’s experiences.  As a performer, Bentley is impressively versatile in giving each character a distinctive posture, hairstyle, speech patterns and movement, from a nervous laugh to a vain hair flick.  It is easy to forget that all four are portrayed by a single actress.  The different personalities are supported by Louise Worrall’s costume design.  Janey’s distressed clothing matches her hard living on the streets.  Nessa’s casual tracksuit and Bea’s hoodie and jeans convey their desire to blend in, whilst Ellen’s crop top is as attention-seeking as she is.

Director Moses Gale quickly establishes and maintains both momentum and visual interest to enhance each different story.  Amanda Priestley’s creative sound design supports the action with appropriate musical cues; a spy thriller theme accompanies Nessa’s stealthy observance of Bea, whilst a wistful theme accompanies tales of hardships.  Likewise, Jack Hathaway’s lighting design is constantly bathing the stage in colours coded to enhance the emotions relayed, such as romantic pink and joyous blue.

In a charming choice, Bentley constantly moves around the stage, directly addressing the audience to effortlessly build rapport, treating individuals as confidants by sharing little humorous asides and extra details within the story.  To provide maximum space for movement, Worrall’s set design effectively provides a compact representation of the caff; a single table with chairs, a mug of tea and bottles of sauces.  A subtle soundscape expands the scene with background chatter and the clanging of cutlery and crockery.

The four viewpoints are absorbing and entertaining, with each successfully building on the others to reveal more layers.  The characters effectively serve as a mirror to the complexities of perception. We may gain a whole new understanding of people if we go beyond exterior impressions.

Written by: Emma Bentley
Directed by: Moses Gale
Produced by: Lopsided Arts & Emma Bentley
Lighting Design by: Jack Hathaway
Sound Design by: Amanda Priestley
Set & Costume Design by: Louise Worrall
Movement Directed by: Sophie Jane Corner
Voice Coach: Beth Lilly 
Technical Stage Manager: Roshan Conn
Dramaturgical Support: Siân Docksey

the supermodel in the caff plays at The Hope Theatre until Saturday October 18.