Mydidae - review

Written by: Peeny (@AdamPeeny)

Where's Peen been?
Trafalgar Studios, London
Was Peen keen?
*****

There must be something in the water at Trafalgar Studios – that’s right, the actual, flowing water that they use in this production – to help make it so damn brilliant. It’s a good job it is so fantastic, to make all of the plumbing work worthwhile.

Photo: Simon Annand 

Set entirely in Marian (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and David’s (Keil Charles) bathroom, this young couple’s current life and saddening past unfold simultaneously. What we learn about them is completely unexpected, breathtaking and heartbreaking; this production packs all of the punch necessary to very nearly evoke a physical reaction at the pinnacle moment, never mind just moisten eyes. From the very beginning, we care about both characters; they’re adorable as a couple, both hilarious in their own ways but most of all, they’re entirely realistic and likeable. Waller-Bridge and Charles both deliver sensational performances to bring raucous laughter and gasps throughout.

This is a DryWrite production, and they’re a company that set out to challenge playwrights. Granted, I’m sure it was a struggle to “write a play set in a bathroom”, but the fantastic Jack Thorne rose to the challenge with a new play that deserves much more stage time. Thankfully, it has been given this second run so soon after its premiere run at Soho Theatre at the end of 2012, and the whole cast and creative have done nothing but go from strength to strength. It brings about a tension that is almost unbareable but so superbly captured between the writing and both performers.

Photo: Simon Annand 

Amy Jane Cook has designed a set so brilliantly like any bathroom you would expect to see; it feels somewhat invasive of Marian and David’s privacy. Since its debut at Soho Theatre, this production comes back as one of the most arresting, shocking plays I’ve ever seen. It tells tales of love and commitment to a whole new level. Two handers like this bring about a whole new appreciation for live performance, and what this faultless cast and creative have managed to create is pure magic. 

This production runs until 30 March 2013. 

For more information: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mydidae/trafalgar-studios/

@TrafStudios 

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