Watching a play about someone struggling with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not the first thing you think of when you go to the theatre, but then this is the beauty of the medium: at times, it is challenging.
I’m sure most people would agree MS is a terrifying illness. There is, as yet, no known cure for this chronic autoimmune disease which affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.
In ‘Duet for One’ we watch as Stephanie Abrahams (Coco Azoitei) struggles to come to terms with her diagnosis. Her MS symptoms mean her illustrious career as a concert violinist have been cut short in her early 40s, and now she must try and find new meaning in her life. Dr Alfred Feldmann (Alan Cox) is the psychiatrist who has taken on this unenviable role.
You would think such a meeting would be a difficult watch, but this intimate drama makes you feel like such a fly on the wall you find yourself immersed in their battle. And this really is a duel between two strong personalities – one of whom wishes to give up, such is the loss they face in their life, while the other battles to help them survive.
Two-hander plays are notoriously difficult, but the actors are so utterly convincing, you will be gripped by the storyline as it develops, circles, falls, rises and gives hope to a future. The set design (Sorcha Corcoran) is also so believable, you may wonder if you are in fact part of the scenery itself.
What is perhaps extraordinary about such a challenging play, is the amount I laughed. I actually laughed more watching this play, than at others which have been billed as comedies. The difference being the humour in ‘Duet For One’ is sharp and dark.
Tom Kempinski originally wrote and premiered this play in 1980 at the Bush Theatre, before heading to the West End and Broadway. But watching it, there are no signs that this is a 45-year-old play. One can only assume therefore, it is the talent of the actors on stage under the direction of Terry Johnson, which has ensured this play’s meaning, import and significance are just as relevant today.
‘Duet For One’ is a thought-provoking watch. It is brutal, honest and sometimes downright scary in the themes it covers. But it is also hopeful and highlights the power of the human spirit. My only criticism is I wanted more violin action. We were treated to a small excerpt, but when you have such musical genius in front of you (Coco is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, was a full-time member of the BBC Concert Orchestra and is Rob Brydon’s violinist in his onstage touring band) you can’t help but want more of her musical magic to fill your veins.
Duet For One runs until 23rd August at the McGrigor Hall with tickets available at https://fst-odes.co.uk/products/
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 19th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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