The Soon Life – Southwark Playhouse, Borough

Writer: Phoebe McIntosh
Director: Sarah Meadows

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Memorable & Moving“

5 / 5

Giving birth is always an exciting, yet anxiety filled time, but giving birth, at home, without a midwife during the Covid-19 lockdown adds an entirely extra level of panic that the soon to be parents definitely weren’t prepared for.

Bec (Phoebe McIntosh) is excited to give birth at home, her birthing pool at the just the right temperature, playlist perfected and positive mantras on repeat in her serene little bubble of calm. That is, until ex-partner Alex (Joe Boylan) arrives out of the blue to check in on the progress, and is horrified at Bec’s decision to avoid the hospital and go it alone. When the midwife gets delayed, they have no choice but to put the past behind them, and try to move forward with a mutually agreed co-parenting agreement. But the contractions are ramping up, old wounds are being uncovered and no amount of deep breathing techniques are going to save them this late in the game.

McIntosh and Boylan have impeccable chemistry, their relationship both believable and endearing as they do their best to air their grievances and co-exist during one of the most emotionally charged moments of their lives. Both characters are fantastically likeable, and it’s hard not to root for them to work out, whether that’s by getting back together or at least just maintaining the close-knit bond they clearly once shared. Their frustration and pain is palpable, but the glimmers of care and affection that shine through occasionally are beautifully included, allowing the audience to fully invest in their partnership. Both actors are wonderfully talented, showcasing every emotion with depth and realism, and allowing each comedic moment the perfect timing to fully land.

The depiction of childbirth is raw, primal, and whole-heartedly emotional. McIntosh’s guttural screams as she powers through the contractions are so powerful that they have the audience literally on the edge of their seats, almost forgetting that there isn’t actually a real birth being performed on stage. And, side note, although I’ve not personally given birth, my mum who joined me for the performance (and equally loved it as much as myself) confirmed that McIntosh’s depiction of childbirth was impressively, incredibly accurate!

Alex Musgrave’s lighting and Sarah Beaton’s well-designed set is immediately cosy, warm and inviting, the easily recognisable front room allowing space and flow for the actors, while still ensuring that stamps of the characters personality are visible throughout. Beth Duke’s sound design and Sarah Meadow’s direction fully immerses the audience elevating the intensity with a ticking stopwatch, or stressing the urgency with alternating pacing to send you on the emotional rollercoaster along with the characters.

The audience are so engaged during the 80 minute runtime that when the lights go out it’s suprisingly disconcerting. Being swept up in that level of intensity and emotion leaves everyone almost as breathless as they are – McIntosh, Boylan and every creative involved have delivered this excellently memorable, deeply moving production that will completely capture your heart!

Runs until 18th October 2025