A captivating and thought-provoking examination of how friends can help each other by talking through their issues, told through humour and heart.Rating
Excellent
People are complicated. No matter how close you are to them, or how well you think you know them, you can never really be sure of what is going on in their minds. There can be a tendency to want to keep conversations with friends and family positive – nobody wants to get others down by bringing up their own burdens. Imitations is a thoughtful and sensitive exploration of why it is also important to discuss the negatives of life.
At first impression, the charming (if disordered) Bea (Anna Ticehurst) seems to be living her best life, attempting yoga and joyfully dancing around her flat. When her supportive childhood best friend Frank (Gregor Roach) visits, they fondly reminisce about misadventures from their shared time at school and university. But whilst Bea is keen to tell him about her career aspirations and crack jokes, Frank becomes increasingly concerned as he notices the dishevelled state of both Bea and her flat. Through some gentle coaxing, he learns that Bea is despondent over a recent breakup and has not left her flat for some time. As he helps her come to terms with this, Bea also recognises signs that Frank is not always as content as he appears to be.
As writer, Ticehurst has crafted the full range of emotions that friends share; affection, annoyances and concerns for each other are presented through fast-paced banter and charged honesty to highlight less comfortable truths. The relatability and likability of the characters is quickly established, deepening the impact of the revelations they help each other understand. Ticehurst and Roach share warm chemistry as they bring to life these ups and downs with an easy and comfortable rapport. The transition from levity to a deeper discussion on the need to help look after each other’s mental wellbeing occurs naturally, with relatable recognition of lost opportunities and self-doubt.
Director Lilly Butcher moderates the performances to match the tone of the discussions; the pair are notably more animated during the initial carefree banter, slowing down when the talk turns to more serious topics. The physical distance between the two cleverly mirrors their varying emotional distance, whilst subtle changes in posture and expressions enhance the dialogue to convey the unspoken concerns and dawning understanding between them.
Each element of production subtly complements the emerging theme that outward appearances can be deceptive, given deeper consideration. The set brings to life the adage that a person’s environment reflects their emotional state. At first glance, the warm and vibrant colours of the furniture and discarded clothing around Bea’s flat suggest an upbeat mood, before the full extent of the debris in every corner is realised to be a reflection of her low mood. The mess is discreetly tidied up as Frank’s supportive influence is gradually felt. Likewise, it becomes apparent that Bea’s baggy tracksuit bottoms and t-shirt are chosen less for comfort than through a growing lack of self-care.
It is very true to life that the deeper meaning behind a brief comment can initially be overlooked, or quickly moved on from, and it can take a few attempts before someone will slowly open their feelings to discuss it. But, as Imitations thoughtfully demonstrates, it is well worth the effort to open up challenging discussions, however difficult, with both sides coming out stronger for it.
Written by Anna Ticehurst
Directed by Lilly Butcher
Produced by Zara Clarke and Anna Ticehurst
Presented by Pinch Me Productions
Imitations plays at Hen and Chickens Theatre until Friday 22 May
