Sapphires – Hope Theatre, Islington

Writers: Craig Henry, Jessie Millson, Sarah Milton, Sophie Max, Tara Quinn
Director: Craig Henry

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Intriguing Concept“

4 / 5

Five playwrights have been put to the task of portraying one relationship through separate, individual scenes within a full length play. Being provided scene headings, character names and professions, the challenge is to weave a coherent relationship thread together in this intriguing experimental concept.

Julia (Angharad Phillips) has only ever been in relationships with men, her encounters with women solely sexual, but she’s hoping for that to change, especially after she meets the laidback, aspiring actor Alex (Harriet Cantello). Despite being opposite in almost every aspect they connect quickly and deeply, but can their relationship survive their differences or are there just too many hurdles in the way?

The enjoyable narrative focuses on and showcases various aspects of the couples relationship – the moment they meet, moving in together, a snippet of an argument etc, with humour, emotion and realism woven through each section. Although each scene is written by different playwrights, there is never a confusing or conflicted narrative thread which helps the storyline run impressively smoothly. How much detail given in the scene headings isn’t mentioned, nor how much has been added or tweaked from the original scripts at the directing stage to help aid the seamless narrative – some call-backs are mentioned in latter scenes such as an orchid they argued about, and Imelda Staunton being an ex-customer, that add a small question mark on the execution of the concept, but it’s solely from minor intrigue as opposed to a critique on the form itself. There isn’t one scene that champions over another, which is credit to the five writers, and Craig Henry’s direction, to ensure that each scene is just as integral, moving and engaging as the others.

Phillips and Cantello are a dynamic pair that portray the interactions and intricacies within the relationship beautifully. Both characters are likeable and engaging, yet still flawed enough to be realistic. Cantello’s chilled, confident and charismatic Alex perfectly balances Phillips’ measured, controlled and determined Julia. It’s a fantastic concept that is executed well, and it would be exciting to see more variations of this in the future.

Runs until 17th December 2025