Chris Eldon Lee reviews ‘A History of Falling Things’ which is at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under Lyme until Saturday 26the July 2014
The circular nature of the stage at the New Vic really enhances Emma Lucia’s new production of James Graham’s highly unusual love story. The clinically white floor, with its thin ring of blue, becomes both the bubble in which Robin has encased himself since he was inexplicable hit on the head by a falling shoe, and the Circle Line Jacqui was riding on the day of the 2005 London bombings.
The two university-age central characters consequently suffer from Keraunothnetophobia – a fear of being struck by a falling satellite. Unlikely though that is (and it’s only happened to one person, ever, on the entire planet) it’s socially debilitating because they are too frightened to go out.
Otherwise, they are completely functional. Robin has given in to his phobia and writes children’s books from his bedroom. Jacqui is more determined to conquer the growing complexities of life ‘outside’ – but works alone by e-mail. They’re living in the same city – but can only meet face to face electronically …. by SKYPE.
I loved this love story when it was premiered at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in 2009 and I loved it again last night. It’s an imaginative, refreshing and captivating take on the oldest story in the world – boy meets girl.
The Internet is their salvation. At Clwyd, the actors were wired to their laptops; but five years later, the advent of the Tablet frees the performers so much…enabling them to whirl around the stage showing each other their solitary spaces. It’s a regular courtship; they converse, dance and dine together – but all at arms length, via their androids.
This theatrical device works beautifully – most of the time.
Robin is reluctantly seeing a rather bullying psychiatrist, played purely on screen by Simon Dutton. Their communication is bedevilled by an awkward satellite delay. I’m assuming that’s purposely done to underline the fractured, disconnection between consultant and patient – but the vocal collisions distract and irritate and I felt authenticity clouded audience communication.
The lovers also have communication difficulties. Tom Hurley’s performance as the obsessive Robin feels gawky and ill at ease when compared to Antonia Kinley’s more naturally bubbly, girlie, Jacqui. There are tantalising flash-forwards of their future – but you do wonder if the relationship will last.
But first they have to meet – and this is where the fun comes in. Graham is such a captivating writer you get completely involved in his characters’ attempts to break out of their circle. There’s an entertaining, edge of your seat, will-they-won’t-they climax; made all the more nerve-wracking by Robin’s refusal to use a mobile phone because, of course, it’s connected to a satellite.
The unlikeliest of set ups gives way to a very real, beautifully quirky love story, which presents – in a way that only well-crafted theatre can – some truly perceptive insights into the logical lives of two people living with an illogical phobia. How they cross the chasm between them is humorous and heart warming and makes for a delightful night out. Just keep an eye out for falling satellites.
Photo credit : Andrew Billington
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