What happened after friends ended? When there was no one to tell us that life was gonna be this way? After the will-they-won’t-they became they will?
Ross and Rachel was written by James Fritz and isn’t actually about the couple we spent ten years screaming at the television to get together. An unnamed couple, in their 40s who are perceived to be ‘meant-to-be’. However, whilst he is still madly and deeply in love with her, she has doubts and feels that the relationship has been over for years. Then, like in all 90s/early 2000s sitcoms that we know and love, throw in a curveball… a brain tumour. With references to not only the fan-favourite sitcom, but other pop-culture films and shows too, the play is definitely a reflection on modern relationships, with a dark twist that touches on serious and sometimes harrowing situations.
Ross and Rachel is a play that is a monologue for two characters. In this production, Fiona Primrose has taken on the nameless couple and throughout the monologue she manages to get into our emotions and feel exactly what the characters are feeling at that moment. It takes a little while to get your head around the one person as two characters, but once you are there, it is easy to see when she is playing each character. She is definitely a talent to keep an eye out for. Despite the lack of physical audience, Primrose was cool, calm and collected and maintained her focus on the piece throughout. It is clear that she has worked well with Carole Carr’s direction and the duo have worked hard to get the production exactly how they want it. Carr also designed the set, and whilst it is reminiscent of the apartments synonymous with ‘Friends’, it is Primrose’s skills that take us to the different venues mentioned throughout the performance.
If it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month or even your year, spend an hour of your time watching this piece, you’ll go through an emotional wringer, but you’ll be glad you did!
Ross & Rachel is available to stream via the Altrincham Garrick website until the 15th of May at 7:30pm nightly. Full details and ticket information can be found at https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/rossandrachel/
Reviewer: Jenn McKean
Reviewed: 9th May 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★
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