Opening their spring season of shows, we are introduced to their first made by Theatr Clwyd production of the year, Lucie Lovatt’s Kill Thy Neighbour. As the developmental work continues in the main building we are back in the Mix, and this is the biggest set we have seen in this space. The set takes over the full stage and completely transports you into the main house of the piece. I found it interesting how The Mix loses a lot of itself in this show, with the impressive set taking over it, meaning the use of all the usual lights and effects are unable to be used.
The Mix is a great space for the time being, but I personally find it quite uncomfortable for lengthy periods of sitting, with the seats being quite close together and hard. Also, external noise unfortunately can be heard at times and can be quite off putting, taking you away from the fantasy world you are trying to lose yourself in.
I enjoyed the framework of the set that gave suggestions of the outside as we were unable to see anything other than the downstairs of the house. Set and costume design by Elin Steele were used effectively to take us on this journey and make us feel we were in the piece.
Set in a village that for half of the year is busy with tourists and visitors, we see how it can be for the rest of the year when it becomes a ghost town with only a handful of residents, trying to get by in a village where the majority of locals have moved away and everything you once knew have gone.
Directed by Chelsey Gillard, I personally felt this was a play of two halves. Act one was used to set the story up and although the cast worked extremely hard and delivered the story well, for me the act dragged on a little. At times it felt a bit dark and dreary, whereas act two was a whole different kettle of fish. It had much needed humour injected, the story moved along at great pace and the whole piece lifted and I felt much more involved. It’s only as the story unfolded, I started to understand the use of the set, how it didn’t quite feel ‘homely and bright.’
The cast were excellent throughout, taking us through a range of emotions. With Victoria John as Caryl and Dafydd Emyr as Meirion, they invited us into their relationship and made us understand how they were feeling and the reason their relationship may not be as it first seems. Catrin Stewart as Daughter Seren helped glue the pieces back together and brought a new life to the piece, bringing the family out of their rut of everyday and start living for the future. Gus Gordon was fantastic as new Neighbour Max, at first the outsider but eventually warming the heart of Caryl and almost becoming part of the family and the fantastic Jamie Redford as Gareth brought some well needed humour and joy to the piece.
I always find it incredible how much of an army goes behind bringing a piece of theatre to life and it is evident in this piece when it all comes together, not just the cast we see on stage but the whole team who work so hard to help tell this story.
Kill Thy Neighbour will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing, take you through a range of emotion and may even give you a little fright.
Kill Thy Neighbour runs until Saturday 20th April 2024 with tickets available at www.theatrclwyd.com/event/kill-thy-neighbour
Reviewer: Damian Riverol
Reviewed: 9th April 2024
North West End UK Rating: