The history of the Christian religion has plenty of examples of intense piety, even fanaticism: Hermits in caves striving for union with god, monks dedicated to spiritual focus and anchoress nuns that lived in walled up cells and devoted themselves only to prayer. Trying to find something to explain life and deliver comfort doesn’t involve such drastic measures for most people, but it can lead to acute changes in their lives.
Abi and Jock are two busy middle-class parents. They worry about shuttling their kids between schools and clubs, they agonise over their relationship and tensions rise over their sexual schedule: Jock would rather read his evangelical autobiography than make love, and Abi has made sacrifices to lose weight but isn’t getting the attention from her husband that she expected “celery doesn’t taste that nice you know!”. Should they turn to Relate or The Bible? Writer Lucy Bell has created two characters troubled by typical, everyday anxieties and dilemmas. Symbolic of modern western life: they have too much of a good thing and yet still they wonder if there are answers… something more. Jock’s curiosity leads him to the bible and then to the Alpha course run by endearing, hard-working mum Shirley at the local church. She has her own, more genuine, reasons for wanting help from a spiritual place and has found unusual ways of chatting with god (“could you speak up a bit?!?”) because her husband is too busy to listen.
The play appears to take on “the big questions” of life: religion, purpose and meaning. But it’s just as much about people and their more mundane problems and ordeals, relationships and families. These sober issues are played out in comic scenarios to great effect. Humour is always a good way to tackle solemn topics. There are poignant and heartening moments too, especially when Shirley’s husband delivers a bacon sandwich to his estranged wife “take as long as you like love”.
Lucy Bell’s witty and crisp dialogue is skilfully delivered by Joanna Smith and Philip Perry. The two actors perform all the characters and work hard to make each one believable and authentic. In a play like this, with an excellent script and accomplished acting, you don’t need much help. Here the props are limited and don’t undermine the action. The set is simple but could have been even more discreet. Clever lighting by designer Rachael Duthie and smart direction from Beth Shouler move the show along smoothly and energetically. A pleasantly understated sound design completes the technical arrangements, which all fit together comfortably. Delivered in the wonderful Zion Centre, a community cafe and event space in Bedminster Down, which adds to the charm of the piece.
Theatre West, who produced this show, say their aim is to support new writing from the brightest talent in the region. They want to deliver “cracking new plays” and this show is certainly that. ★★★★☆ Adrian Mantle 9th November 2016
