Spin Cycle – Etcetera Theatre

Set in a launderette, ‘Spin Cycle’ is a fly-on-the-wall peep into two strangers lives who meet whilst waiting for their laundry to complete its wash cycle – but are they strangers, or have they met before?

Kitt (Zofia Zerphy) loads up her washing machine, just as Noel (Rhiannon Bell) attempts to do her own washing, but she has forgotten her washing tablets.  Offering to help out, Kitt gives her some of her washing liquid, which leads to reminiscences from Noel about how her ex-girlfriend did the washing, and she is useless at it.  As the conversation progresses, it becomes more heated and personal, and this familiarity can only mean one thing – that they have met before.  But how do they know each other?

This one act play explores the feelings of a relationship ending, grief, and longing for closeness, and love.  Zerphy has written an intriguing play, which has an annoying twist at the end – annoying because you have invested into the characters and wish them to have a happy conclusion.  The spotlight on relationships is an interesting one, as the play really delves into the problems that couple’s encounter when trying to make things work, when there is a feeling that they are not investing equally into the relationship.  Money was an issue, Kitt used her inheritance to help to support her partner, but this was resented, even though both had an interest in art and Kitt’s partner wanted to make a career out of her interest.  Zerphy and Bell have a connection which makes this plot believable, aided I am sure by the direction of Bethan Rose.  This connection is essential, as the play depends on it to draw the audience into the story.

Emotions are heightened when a death of a close member of the family is added in to the washer load.  Bell’s character is grief stricken and she recounts that her ex was not supportive, adding this into the mix adds another layer of emotional complexity to an already difficult relationship. 

This emotional rollercoaster is well worth a watch, and you have another opportunity to catch it, as Berserk Theatre are taking ‘Spin Cycle’ to the SE Fest.  On the 12^th September at Jack Studio Theatre – https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/spin-cycle/, and the 13^th September at Bridge House Theatre – https://thebridgehousetheatre.co.uk/shows/spin-cycle/.

Reviewer: Caroline Worswick

Reviewed: 23^rd August 2025

North West End UK Rating: