Set in Lucy’s bedroom post-University, Lucy (Naoise White), Cara (Maisie Hogan), and Faye (Luisa Fischelt) are to spend their last evening celebrating the end of university, and the beginning of their new journey’s. Lucy is travelling to Copenhagen, Cara and her boyfriend Ethan are beginning a new life in Sydney, Australia, and Faye is staying at home as her Paris plans did not work out.
We soon learn that Lucy and Faye live in the same town and have been friends for many years, and Cara met the two of them at university. As the friends get ready for their night out at the local pub, they explore their friendship, their future, and whether they feel that these changes are for the better.
At first impression, Lucy appears to be carefree, but as she opens up, we see her vulnerability. Her move to Copenhagen brings with it the chance for new adventures, but also saying goodbye to her close friends and she may also have to say goodbye to her comfort zone, which is her family home. White, who multi-tasks as writer and director, develops Lucy beautifully, communicating the excitement of youth, but with the trepidation of the unknown.
Cara has her own problems, she is leaving to go to Australia which must feel so very far from home, but she also has an added risk of living with her boyfriend of four years, Ethan. And Faye is the friend who must feel as though she is being left behind, seeing her friends leave and fly the nest, whilst they are anxious about their new journey’s.
White’s writing and direction analyses this exploration of one of life’s crossroads with humour and empathy. Even though the friends are adults, they are leaving education and going out into the big wide world with a mixture of trepidation, but also excitement. As they pour themselves a glass of wine, they look back upon their friendship, but this same friendship also acts as a holding of their hands as they explore this new beginning.
White should be proud of her work on this play, it interrogates a journey that is trodden by many a young person, with empathy and humour. The performances match White’s good work, the intelligent writing helps to give the performers a head start, with excellent direction.
The last performance of ‘Getting Ready’ at Etcetera Theatre is this evening (10th) at 9pm. To buy tickets go to – https://camdenfringe.com/events/getting-ready/
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 9th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating:
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