Looking For Giants – Kings Head Theatre, Islington

Writer/Director: Cesca Echlin

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Captivating Performer“

3 / 5

A microphone and a spotlight is all performer Abby McCann needs to bring the psyche of Cesca Echlin’s unnamed narrator to life. Delving into the past she recounts the experiences of three separate relationships – and the boundaries that surround them.

Although the three relationships are from different times in our narrators life, the impact made on her is similar, with self-described ‘invisible marks’ left behind from each encounter. The arrogant University tutor she strives to impress, his dismissive, condescending approach to her appealing rather than polarising. The older gentleman on a dating app who toys with her sexual urges – using patience and control to fulfil her fantasies, that disappointingly for her, do not transcend past their online chats. Her final story is an all consuming attraction that borders on obsession, especially the more he pulls away. Each relationship is told in third person, and all contribute into her desires and fantasies. We learn little else about the character outside of these self-contained recollections, but the depth and detail within each one build the starting blocks of a brilliantly complex picture of an extremely layered individual.

At points the three stories, although told separately, became quite blurred together due to each being very similar in nature. Though the unclear timeframes are obviously three segregated periods, there doesn’t seem to be much cyclical growth or progression outside of the recollections, which feels like a missed opportunity somewhat. That being said, the consistency and clarity from the narrator remains strong throughout – with McCann’s effortless performance at the helm of the production. A fabulous performer, she completely captivates the room for the 70-minute runtime with her confident and engaging demeanour. She is extremely well paced and depicts the various different people in her life with a touch of humour and ease.

 Working wonderfully in conjunction are lighting designer Skylar Turnbull Hurd and sound designer Sarah Spencer, who help to wrap the audience up in the narrators world as she weaves through her stories. The lighting changes intensely and frequently, often a singular, very bright spotlight to create a stark silhouette of McCann – further keeping her at the centre of her Universe, and the focus on her every word.

Runs until 26^th January 2025