Wilt – Bread & Roses Theatre, Clapham (Lambeth Fringe 2025)

Writer & Director: Jazz Summer  

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Pain in Parallel“

3.5 / 5

Wilt focuses on a young couple – Nadia and Elliot, navigating loss after the death of Nadia’s father, showcased as the various stages of grief at different points in the relationship.

The production opens immediately after his funeral, where the pair are obviously sad, but coping, reminiscing about their interactions with him fondly. As time progresses, you see Nadia (India Erlam) slowly descending into depression, detaching herself from Elliot (Joe Northstone), struggling to find fulfilment and spending most of her days disassociating on the sofa in sadness. It’s a powerful performance that resonates with many; a clear, considered exploration of grief.

Surprisingly even more impactful than their joint depiction of grief, is Elliot’s determination to be there, and be strong for his partner. Although not the main person directly affected by the loss, Northstone’s portrayal of love and care is magnificently moving, always in the background ready and on hand to be there for when needed, doing everything in his power to help, even when Nadia is unable to be appreciative in her emotional state. It’s a wonderful addition from writer/director Jazz Summer, by focusing on both characters pain in parallel it helps to really capture the vast fall out from loss.

Early on in the production, the pair are shown to have a very playful, silly relationship, but the scenes of them playfighting and expressing emotion through Mr Men characters are performed too exaggerated and theatrical, detracting from what later becomes a touching, naturalistic performance. By dialling down the OTT couple scenes, and portraying the happier times of their relationship with the same tender, believable lens as the rest of the script, it would blend both halves together better and be more engaging from the outset.

Opening and closing the show are audio clips of individuals discussing their own experience with grief, reiterating the sentiment that there is never an ‘end’, it instead becomes something you learn to live with. A touching, poignant show.

Runs until 14th October 2025