Writer: Cameron Corcoran
Director: Isabelle Tyner
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Whirlwind of Emotions“
5 / 5
Mike and Evie dated for four years in their twenties – their personalities a perfect match, the only thing they disagreed on being the big decision on starting a family together. Mike didn’t want kids, Evie was ready to become a mother, so as much as it hurt the pair – they decided to split up and move on, proving more difficult than either of them expected.
You don’t get much time to get to know Mike (Morgan Beale) and Evie (Grace Bassett) as a couple, with the majority of the show focusing on the aftermath of the relationship, but the fleeting initial scenes you get of them together are enough to completely absorb you into their orbit, the strong chemistry and endearingly playful conversations between them a perfect introduction to the characters. Each stage of their relationship is masterfully depicted – the tenderness while they’re in love, the awkwardness during the initial breakup period and the apprehensive uncertainty, yet unnerving familiarity between them once years have passed.
After the break-up, there is a flurry of cringeworthy first dates in an attempt to move on and settle down with a more suitable partner. Not finding that in the obnoxious marathon runner from Hinge, nor the confident yet patronising friend of a friend – the failed dates make it increasingly harder to move on from each other. But inevitably in time, it happens. Mike gets transferred for a role in Finland, Evie gets married to an older, more serious partner, ready to settle down and try for children – though the journey is stressful, filled with complications and disappointments that leaves her broken and lost. When her and Mike cross paths again sporadically over the years, there’s always the question of whether they threw what they had away too quickly, and what their paths would look like now if they had stuck it out together.
Cameron Cocoran’s writing is always sharp and engaging, and Face in particular is fabulously relatable – the dialogue between Mike, Evie, and the multitude of small side characters very natural and genuine. The characterisation is flawless, and you find yourself wholeheartedly rooting for both of them – simultaneously as a pair and individually. There is a lot of humour and heart behind the script, with something for everyone to enjoy or resonate with. Isabelle Tyner’s slick direction allows for the two actors to seamlessly switch into various different roles throughout the show – not through changing their appearance, just solely utilising a yellow cloth to signify the changing of each scene, making it abundantly clear of a timeline or character shift. The pacing is perfect – never lingering on any moment too long, allowing the momentum or tension in each scene to fully settle, before the next transition.
Incredible praise needs to be given to Bassett and Beale, who are both impeccable performers. The infallible duo excellently morph into each character, showcasing a range of accents and mannerisms to clearly signify the switches. The dramatic Essex PA, the gentle doctor, the friendly American and the demeaning boss are all examples of their wonderful range. Considering there are so many characters played by the two, having no obvious amendments would prove challenging for most, with the result often being blurred or overwhelming for the audience, but there is never any confusion, nor any mistakes from either brilliant performer, who make every single one of their characters clear and captivating, navigating the balance between the comedic humour and touching emotion with expertise.
Face takes the audience through a whirlwind of emotions – it is fantastically funny, charming and witty, while being equally devastatingly sad and poignant. An absolute gem of a show; this is a snapshot of real people with a genuine connection through a complicated romance.
Runs until 17th March 2025
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