Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer: Philip Ridley
Director: James Haddrell
“Well-Paced, Suspenseful Drama”
4 / 5
Grieving mother Anita and conflicted teenager Davey have lived in the East End of London their whole lives, their paths never crossing, until now. After the heartbreaking murder of her son Vincent, the pair are thrust together unexpectedly, both looking for answers and comfort from each other, while desperately trying to make sense of the horrific events that have unfolded.
An abandoned train station toilet was where Davey (Brandon Kimaryo) stumbled across Vincents body, beaten to death as part of a homophobic hate crime. Since that night he has been unable to erase the images from his memory, desperate to find a way to move on and block them out. After watching her for some time, he finally approaches Anita (Kerrie Taylor) at her new home, hoping that by bringing Vincent’s memory to life through talking to her, it will replace what he’d seen with happier memories. But Anita is grieving, suspicious of Davey and his intentions, certain he knows more than he’s letting on, convinced he’s involved in some way and desperate to reveal the truth. In this tense two-hander, stories are uncovered, boundaries are broken and neither of them will ever be the same again.
This wonderfully written, suspenseful storyline by Philip Ridley is executed fantastically by director James Haddrell and the talented two actors. Haddrell keeps the tension bubbling at the surface throughout, never allowing a break in pace as Kimaryo and Taylor hash it out on stage. He slowly coaxes the truth behind Vincent’s attack out throughout the performance, while concurrently unravelling the backstories and motivations of each character, creating a brilliantly woven web of intrigue, shock and emotion. The slow storyline reveals are nestled within fast-paced interactions, rapid switches between conversation topics and constant changes in atmosphere, creating a heightened sense of intensity throughout.
Considering this is Brandon Kimaryo’s on stage debut – an audience could never guess. He confidently displays every emotion required of him, reacting realistically in each scene and teetering between Davey’s vulnerability, confusion and frustration to engage the audience. Kerrie Taylor showcases the differing stages of grief incredibly well, with Anita initially coming across hardened and unflinching, before she slowly lets her walls down and her emotions flow.
This is a powerful production that touches on a variety of sensitive themes and issues, while always mindful of maintaining a respectful approach. Although an understandably uncomfortable watch, the cast and creative team lean into this unsettling feeling and extract an emotionally raw production that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat throughout.
Runs Until 15 July 2023
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