Millie is a geek who wants to get ahead as a scientist: she works on her Phd in quantum physics and invents weird things. She also hangs out with her best (only?) friend Anna: a musician with aspirations of her own. The problem is Millie lacks confidence and drive. Her YouTube channel has a handful of subscribers and she prefers to communicate with colleagues by message rather than words. She won’t even say ‘hi’ to her friend’s flat-mates and she is annoyingly precise about the things which don’t matter to most of us. There is something, though, that we like about her. Then Millie accidentally invents a time machine. After a brief venture into the past she starts dragging back future versions of herself to help with her now increasingly successful YouTube personality. The new Millie becomes ambitious and self-obsessed as she is sucked into the fickle world of internet celebrity, preoccupied with likes, views and comments.
Coming not long after the death of the one of the world’s most famous scientists and hot on the heels of an internet data sharing scandal Tremolo theatre certainly have caught the zeitgeist with their new show. They describe Then Again as ‘a dynamic comedy about internet celebrity and friendship’ which ‘probes the power and influence of social medial’. Much in the same mould as their previous piece (The Hours Before We Wake) this show is a rich mixture of the mechanics of theatre. Jack Drewry’s sound design is magnificent and layers beautifully with the lighting, choreography and effects.
The actors scurry around drawing on all their stage skills; there is dialogue, mime and physical theatre. Alice Ritchie is friendly but firm as Dr Yolanda. Lily London is faithful friend Anna, with a great singing voice. Both efficaciously swapping into other roles as well, with terrific timing and slick interaction amongst the whole cast. Hanora Kamen excels as Millie. She cultivates our sympathy thoroughly; then in turns she is vulnerable and meek, decisive and harsh. Their performances are full of energy from start to finish; the actor’s concentration doesn’t sag for a moment. The props are inventive, efficient and funny; look out for the talking toothbrush. The set is imaginative and functional: metal chairs, plastic frames, office clutter and electronic paraphernalia.
If theatre is about producing something that is greater than the sum of its parts, then this is it. Which must be pleasing for Bristol-based Tremolo who declare that they are a ‘collaborative theatre company’ who use ‘ensemble story-telling’. They evidently pride themselves on their collective working during the creative process. This new piece was created and devised by the whole company and there is a fascinating blog on their website which recounts this.
Then Again sits perfectly in the intimate space of the excellent Wardrobe theatre and Tremolo transmit clearly their message about the dangers and dilemmas of social media. The actors produce sparkling performances in this cracking little play, which I can thoroughly recommend. ★★★★☆ Adrian Mantle 22nd March 2018
