We’ve all had a flatmate we’ve hated right? Two women who are each other’s complete opposites attempt to coexist in a flat share, and after deeply hidden secret is revealed, we explore the continuum from enemies to budding friends.
A fantastic new show, from In Her Element theatre production bringing together drama and comedy for a one act production full of laughs and unexpected comfort. The staging of this show at the King’s Head Theatre was well done, the small space was made to look like a living/dining room through furniture and through characters being off stage when they were in bedrooms or the kitchen. This made the production feel so intimate, like we were spectators sitting inside their living room.
Both actresses multi role in this show and they do it fantastically. Ellie Gallimore gives her characters different but similar quirks and I really enjoyed that. Gallimore portrayal of Jessica was very human, and she made her feel relatable. Kat Stidston also was fabulous, Maudie felt so real to me, although she could be frustrating Stidston gave real depth to her, to help us understand her behaviour.
One thing that bothered me was how they resolved some of the conflict in the show. Mainly regarding the note and the hurtful things both characters said in the argument that followed. It didn’t really feel resolved, rather that they both got distracted and then decided they would forget about it and forgive.
I loved the pacing of the show. The different scenes felt like a timeline over a few months where we see glimpses, we got into their budding friendship. But there were moments that felt a bit jumpy leading to things that were introduced that weren’t properly dealt with.
This show was extremely funny, some raunchy humour but nothing felt like too much. The dialogue was witty and fast paced but it never felt like you missed anything. The more emotional beats of the story were well handled, they didn’t feel too heavy but still felt taken seriously.
Jessica and Maudie’ role reversal at the end of the show felt poignant, and really displayed both characters growth. Showing that sometimes people aren’t so different after all. I left this show feeling happy with an odd craving for some bourbon biscuits.
Reviewer: Zara Odetunde
Reviewed: 18th February 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★