A fresh character-led piece about the complexities of the modern relationshipRating
Good!
This one-hour play, written by Peter Souter, explores the beginning and end of a relationship. From enemies to lovers, though perhaps not in such a linear order, the highs and lows of a modern relationship are explored at the pivotal moments of a couple’s life together. Written with a clear vision, the piece tells a story set in reality, where not everything comes so easily.
The writing is most refreshing in the character of Alex, a neurodiverse adult moving into a new flat. His autistic character traits are built into the story without his diagnosis being the focus of the piece. This representation of neurodiversity is welcome. Jacob Hemming plays Alex with strong mannerisms and physical expression, playing into his character’s identity without stereotyping. Laura Caetani, who plays Juliet, really softens into her character throughout the piece, with her tone of voice playing a large part in her highly strung character. This comedy duo play such believable characters that almost everyone could say that they know an Alex or a Juliet, whether they want to or not. The characters feel present through the whole performance, bouncing off each other’s lines with witty remarks.
About halfway through the story, we experience a big time jump which involves a scene change, against the backdrop of an instrumental, accompanied by a short dance that expresses the drift in the relationship. This interlude feels sudden, but gets across the emotional points that couldn’t otherwise be explored in the short hour-long run time. The final resolution of the play, whilst it has good intentions, feels like a very sudden reconciliation, in light of all the context we have been drip-fed about the couple’s past choices throughout the relationship.
The set and costumes give the impression of a modern flat. With a simple costume and set change, accompanied by the instrumental, they support the actors’ performances. Props are used effectively to convey the characters’ feelings at different points in the relationship, and help us to explore the couple’s relationship beyond the four walls of the flat.
This production has promise to expand further, with such strongly written and performed characters. The piece covers big emotions of love and grief effectively in an intimate setting. Building on the world around Alex and Juliet will make this piece stand out in an oversaturated romance market.
Written by Peter Souter
Hello/Goodbye has finished its run at Camden Fringe
