The Box – The White Bear, Kennington

Brian Coyle’s tense, intriguing exploration of a couple in a relationship crisis. Although the reason for the crisis does not become evident until later in the piece Initially the couple Tom and Kate appear to be playing games with each other assuming alternate identities. They continually compare themselves unfavourably with the relationships of other couples they know who to them seem more ” normal”. Coyle is fascinated by deception. In the play he claims that lying is inherent almost everything we do, in work, in relationships, and even with those we are closest to.

The setting was simple with the audience on two sides of the White Bear’s playing area dominated by a large box wrapped in paper. The purpose of this box is not clear, although it is obviously very important to both the characters. They are initially uncertain whether to unwrap and open it and when they do so the realities of their relationships start to be revealed. It is, thus, an allegory for the underlying problems they are facing and their ways of dealing with them or avoiding them.

The acting was superb. Martin Edwards and Sarah Lawrie were utterly convincing as the couple in conflict. Helped by Jonathan Woolf’s excellent direction they made good use of the acting area and well-designed lighting and sound by Simon Bayer, added to the dramatic impact of the piece the pace of which never faltered.

The play runs for just one hour and the suspense is unrelenting. It is a complex piece and commands full attention. You will watch it trying to work out the reality and meaning of what you are seeing and leave thinking about its implications. I recommend it.

Reviewer: Paul Ackroyd

Reviewed: 27th July 2024

North West End UK Rating: