Review: Just Fall Over, The Glitch

Few occasions can bring family and friends together in reflection of somebody like their birthday or the date of their passing; although not usually both at once. Just Fall Over explores exactly this situation for the comatose Sarah, whose birthday is the day her family plans to switch off her life support. The fact that she is portrayed by a large doll, whose grinning face welcomes the audience into the theatre, suggests that this this dark subject matter will be delivered with a good dose of comedy along the way.

The wealthy Sinclair family is facing hard times, so the self-serving Felicity (Gracie Bradley) is capitalising on her daughter’s condition to achieve maximum publicity, rehearsing her grief for the invited press. The more dignified Aunt Linda (Belle Hobbs) would prefer events to be managed with more decorum and not to disrupt her busy schedule. Sarah’s vapid but well-meaning brother Gregory (Edward Hollings) keeps her updated on the latest news from school, whilst the dedicated nurse (Belen Sophia Richards) tries to keep her final day comfortable. When Sarah’s compassionate childhood friend Katie (Bronwyn Stella Davies) unexpectedly joins them, the already strained family descends into confrontation over who should have responsibility to end Sarah’s life, whilst raising the question of what led to the injury that caused her coma?

As writers, Hobbs and Bradley deliver a balanced tone between the humorous characters and tragic situation, evoking both empathy for their loss and humour from their self-absorption.  The story effectively builds tension through the emerging mystery of what happened to Sarah and who was most responsible, as the history is gradually revealed. Likewise, the family’s indifference to the stresses they put upon the nurse foreshadows their emerging carelessness towards each other.

As co-directors, Bradley and Hobbs moderate the pace of the cast between rapid verbal sparring during the comedy and the slower contemplations of the emotive drama they face.  

The cast enhances the dialogue with a range of gestures as they bring the characters to life; Bradley theatrically swishes a widow’s veil like a cape; Hobbs deploys glasses when intently contemplating someone; whilst Hollings captures teenage enthusiasm and petulance in his posture.  

Taking place entirely in Sarah’s bedroom, now converted into her care room, the set design, by Constance Fedor and Catrin Jones, subtly reinforces the idea that she was loved more by words than deeds. Although now 28 years old, the family have not thought to update the décor, leaving the same flowery bedframe and quilt, cuddly toy and posters from her childhood in place. The life support machine is impressively detailed, with an array of health statistics on the monitor, whilst the practical choice of the doll does not undermine the drama.

Tegan Piper’s costume design ranges from understated to exaggerated. perfectly complementing the distinct character personalities. Felicity’s towering heels and showy black dress are chosen to draw attention, as is the widow’s veil which Bradley theatrically swishes like a cape. By contrast, Linda’s pinstripe trousers and crisp white blouse convey her no-nonsense nature, whilst Katie’s practical jeans and jacket stand out for being unassuming.  Gregory’s school uniform contains subtle touches of his nonconformist personality, whilst the nurse’s pristine white uniform showcases her commitment.

Delivering big laughs as well as serious dramatic emotions, the heightened absurdities of some characters complement the relatable sense of guilt felt by others. The parallel stories of the family coping with tragic circumstances whilst trying to uncover the cause are as engaging as they are entertaining.

Writers: Belle Hobbs and Gracie Bradley
Co-Directors: Belle Hobbs and Gracie Bradley
Co-Producers: Belle Hobbs and Gracie Bradley
Presented: Six People Away
Set design: Constance Fedor and Catrin Jones
Costume design: Tegan Piper

Just Fall Over has completed its current run at The Glitch. It will be playing at Edinburgh Fringe from Saturday 15 – Saturday 22 August.