Review: Schrodinger’s Lesbians, Cockpit Theatre

“If two women fall in love but none of the men write about it, did it happen?” The Greek Gods are written about extensively in their sexual escapades, but what about women fucking women? Libby Boyd’s rom-com Schrodinger’s Lesbians explores Sappho’s life and poetry in a manner which is delightfully queer and deliciously endearing.

Set on the island of Lesbos, Sappho (Charlotte Boyle) is attempting to deal with her heartbreak from ex-girlfriend Atthis (writer Boyd). New girl on the block Anactoria (Ruby Blue Tansey-Thomas) catches her eye. A love triangle ensues. Written in modern prose, Boyd’s writing is clever and endearing, filled with witty jokes, sexual innuendos, cheesy pick-up lines and romantic declarations. One does not wince at the corny nature of it, but is rather beguilingly charmed by its infectious joy. The language is particularly beautiful during Sappho’s declaration of love towards the end, so much so that one can’t help but feel moved by its emotional gravity.

All three actors give brilliant performances, and their evident chemistry works exceedingly well on stage, particularly between Boyle and Tansey-Thomas. Cheeky lines are delivered with flirtatious allure. More sombre moments draw upon the drama and emotional appeal they need. The audience roots for them. Whilst Boyd’s character doesn’t always feel as strong on stage, it’s expected as they portray the third wheel ex, caught in the middle of a relationship that isn’t fated to be. One’s eyes are fixed on the cast throughout. 

The Cockpit Theatre is one of the larger fringe spaces to contend with. Bobbie-Jean Henning’s direction utilises the theatre space to its advantage so it does not feel too big for the small cast of three. A simplistic set design featuring grecian pillars, decorated jugs and flowy, fabric costumes shows a great eye for details that combine together to form a seamless immersion into the setting of Ancient Greece. On the whole, every single aspect of the play is given careful thought and consideration and it pays off well.

Though little remains of Sappho’s poetry, Schrodinger’s Lesbians breathes life into her legacy. It proves that fringe theatre is still the most crucial space for championing and representing Queer theatre. I’m usually screaming off the rooftops about my dislike for rom-coms but Schrondinger’s Lesbians has convinced me to give them another chance. Christopher Nolan eat your heart out; Libby Boyd knows just how to write women in Ancient Greece. 

Directed by Bobbie-Jean Henning
Produced by Themis Theatre
Written by Libby Boyd
Designed by Charlotte Boyle

Schrondinger’s Lesbians has completed its run at this year’s Camden Fringe.