Performed in a small brick theatre in the vault located under waterloo station creating an atmosphere; an intimate feeling of being alone with the characters. The stage set out to replicate a school locker room, simplistic but instantly recognisable. The play centred on a bemusing incident involving Vix played by Heloise Spring and Helen (Lucy Sherraft) younger siblings. Vix and Helen are friends however their friendship is intertwined with complexities of family life, their friendship and feelings of how they are perceived by each other as well as the outside world. Their story is peppered with confliction and expression of thoughts created by the turmoil they feel about themselves and how they are perceived by others.
Helen is tall and effervescent in her approach to life unlike Vix small in stature who struggles with understanding the world, its impact on her emotions and her own feelings towards Helen. This monologue approach by each character draws you in as they cover sensitive topics of self-image, body dysmorphia and mental health with the desire to be accepted by each other and their families. There are moments of playful interactions between the school friends and love for each other, with humour to entertain the audience.
A powerful immaculate performance by Heloise and Lucy to capture and engage an audience in 60 mins, however there were times during the flashback scenes to the incident with their siblings and ‘Fanty’ a made up character where it became a little confusing at the beginning. But this did not distract too much and Vix and Helen didn’t falter in their dialogue and dealt with the issues sensitively and with vigour. A thought provoking 60mins that highlighted the complexities of friendships and emotions and the personal impact this can have on relationships.
Playing until 5th February, https://vaultfestival.com/performances/vix-helen/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 31st January 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★