Reviewer: Christine Stanton
Writer / Director: Philippa Lawford
“Deeply Moving & Believable”
4 / 5
Simon has recently returned to university after taking a brief hiatus, keen to get his studies back on track and settle back into routine. At a film society event, he meets first-year Mia – full of energy, passion and ambition she’s a breath of fresh air for Simon, excited for her course and all that comes with it. As they embark on a relationship together, they slowly start to embrace each others lifestyles – for better or worse.
Philippa Lawford’s script is deeply moving – the characterisation of Simon (James Wilbraham) and Mia (Andrea Gatchalian), not only beautifully engaging and endearing, but also wholeheartedly believable. The slow progression of their relationship is perfectly captured – the beginning stages full of awkward encounters and bashful conversations, quickly drawing the audience in with the humorously sweet interactions. Slowly, the reality of Simon’s struggles start coming to light – simple, subtle comments and momentary facial expressions easily outlining the point without the need for a big fanfare. The first act is quite gentle, easing the audience into Simon’s slow decline back into depression, which allows you to empathise further with both characters, but especially Mia – seeing his withdrawal happen at the same time as her.
The second act is much more straightforward, without the niceties and cute conversations that transpired between the two as their relationship blossomed. They live a nocturnal lifestyle – staying up late watching movies, skipping lessons, letting their assignments get on top of them, the messy dorm room stifling Mia’s initial excitement as she struggles to balance her own life on top of caring for Simon and trying to help him overcome his mental health issues. The narrative is strong, filled with emotion and angst – it never feels contrived or exaggerated, it’s just a very natural, genuine storyline that pulls at the heartstrings of even the most stoic audience members.
Wilbraham & Gatchalian are wonderful in their roles and truly bring the narrative to life. Gatchalian brilliantly showcases her internal battle of trying to keep her own life afloat while simultaneously trying to stop the man she loves from self-destructing. Her initial excitable, easy-going nature slowly dissipates as the show progresses and it’s wonderful that her struggle is highlighted just as much as Simon’s. Wilbraham is hauntingly moving – his intensity unnervingly believable.
Lawford, alongside both actors sadly help to depict depression in it’s truest form – unpredictable, unexpected and uncomfortable. There isn’t a clear reason or a straightforward timeline, it comes in waves and affects not only the sufferer, but those around them as they do their best to support and be present.
Runs Until 2 December 2023
*Photo Credits – Jake Bush*
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