Alone – Theatre503, Battersea

Writer: Luke Thornborough
Director: Stuart McDougall

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Suspenseful Sci-Fi Success“

4.5 / 5

~This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub~

It’s been five years of long, gruelling bacteria research that has forced Dr Sarah Taylor and pilot Jessica Holland to share a spacecraft together. Polar opposites, they wouldn’t ordinarily have crossed paths, but now they know each other almost better than they know themselves.

Laidback Holland (Courtney Bassett) seems to be enjoying the experience slightly more than the tightly wound Dr Taylor (Anthea Freya Hill), who is anxious to complete the important sample reports that could very well save humanity. Holland, in comparison, is more focused on her music playlist, only locking in when absolutely needed to, trusting the process and confident that the work they are doing is going to plan. But when Control flags that their spacecraft seems to have lost signal, it’s a fast, downward spiral: the pair finds leaks, the oxygen supply begins depleting, and their relationship is tested to its limits. Can they, and the research, survive or have the last five years been for nothing?

Luke Thornborough’s script is excellently balanced. When first introduced to the pair, it’s a slow, comical introduction to their dynamic, allowing the audience to warm to their personalities before any conflict is introduced. There are a few interesting discussions about faith and family that, although not too in-depth, still provide an enjoyable additional layer, and could be introduced earlier to expand on some of the earlier scenes. As the ship starts to fail, the atmosphere tightens with palpable urgency; the sharper pace, heightened conversations and frantic decisions feel both authentic and devastating. It’s a gripping descent that sustains tension and makes it hard not to panic along with the characters.

The sense of panic is also completely reliant on Michael Goodwin’s expert lighting design and Thornborough’s sound design, which is executed to perfection. The frenetic flashes of light transitioning into the final dim, low-lit, smoke-filled room are incredibly impactful, and the flashlight Morse code is a masterclass in wordless communication. Bassett and Hill are an excellent pair; their realistic, emotional interactions are deeply moving, and there are scenes so powerful that you may even shed a tear.

A brilliant representation of the experience of women in STEM, and a wonderful exploration of human connection, in this suspenseful sci-fi success.

Runs until 1 November 2025