Millie Henson’s new play follows Aniyah and Finn’s relationship, following an argument that threatens to destroy the couple. Finn is sleeping on the sofa, slobbing around their tiny messy apartment trying to break through his musical block and forgetting to water the plants, while Aniyah does long shifts as a nurse and is permanently exhausted. They used to be singer-songwriting partners, with aspirations to sell out stadiums and go on worldwide tours. This dream comes crashing down when Aniyah accepts that they have bills to pay and leaves the singing partnership, much to Finn’s resentment. Without his “muse”, his songwriting stalls. Suddenly at this pivotal moment in their relationship, a global apocalyptic event forces them to make major life choices, renew familial ties and attempt to find harmony amid the chaos. But just as it seems they have come to an understanding and rediscover their musical connections, their lives are again upended by what is an impossible life-and-death decision.
Grace Lyons’ Aniyah and Jonty O’Callaghan’s Finn make a charming couple, with a believable relationship, hanging on in a situation that is becoming intolerable for both of them. There’s little obvious romance between them, the chill of their relationship after their row very credibly portrayed. Both these talented actors inhabit their characters with ease, also playing TV anchors delivering cataclysmic news with the sort of bouncy jollity that would undoubtedly be the response on morning TV shows in the event of an impending asteroid strike.
Directors Harry Kenyon and Matthew Madanat make good use of the small space, but the many scene changes tend to slow the pace of the piece. There’s also an issue with the sound, with the performers at times unable to be heard distinctly above the sound of the venue’s aircon. This is particularly noticeable with Finn’s songs, mostly delivered in a low, whispery tone.
Henson’s influences here might be films such as “Don’t Look Up” and “Last Night”, but she’s taken this well-trodden sci-fi trope and honed it down to focus with great effect on one couple as the possible disintegration of their partnership becomes the counterpoint to the end of the world. Henson is a talented writer and clearly one to watch for the future.
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 21st June 2024
North West End UK Rating: