Double Act, which is written by Nick Hyde and directed by Jef Hall-Flavin, is a remarkable play that tackles themes of mental health, suicide and existentialism. Using a talented 'double act', the play wields humour and anguish tremendously well to help paint a vivid portrait of one's last day. Hyde performs the piece himself, along with Oliver Maynard, who share a wonderful partnership that helps the piece soar.
Double Act poses the question "What would you do on your very last day?" to its audience, and spends the next 90 minutes trying to find the answer. The play follows the journey of an unnamed 28-year old man (Hyde and Maynard), as he strives to have the perfect last day. With a clear final destination in mind - Eastbourne at sunset - the day is spent desperately trying to fill the many hours preceding the day's ultimate goal. The journey, as expected, is neither straightforward or perfect, beautifully mirroring life, and takes audiences along for the bumpy ride.
Hyde has created a piece that feels relatable to one and all, through a series of smaller day-to-day inconveniences that contribute to a building sense of frustration. Often posing these small incidents as comedic scenes, as evidenced by the hilarious fight for an armrest on the tube, the technical difficulties of a Sainsbury's self-checkout or being terrified of vaping teenagers at a convenient store, Hyde lures the audiences into a comfortable and amused lull despite the looming doom that hangs above it all. It's this concealed placing of the burden of the world on the audience's shoulders that becomes increasingly evident as the tangled loose ends begin tightening, that makes this piece so unforgettable.
Double Act chooses to plot a day that at times may feel a little lost, or even aimless, yet it never loses the momentum of the anxiety that echoes throughout. Mirroring the protagonist's mental state, the protagonist focuses on smaller issues that feel more manageable and yet still present a challenge. The play, although subtly presented, shows a series of crossroads wherein the character chooses to persist with his decision. Double Act becomes a fascinating study of human psychology and mental health, with a touch of slapstick comedy.
The two performers, Hyde and Maynard, are so perfectly opposed, bringing an equally brilliant performance. The two performers together form the unnamed protagonist, choosing to emphasis his clashing desire to enjoy the day whilst also dreading the day. The two performers also take on other roles, most notably "Fabian", an old classmate whose insufferable and condescending finance persona becomes pivotal moment in the show. Alongside this is the protagonist's ex-girlfriend who answers his frantic call for a catch up.
Maynard's steadfast insistence and growing anxiety to rush to the coast helps create a gnawing feeling throughout the play, reminding the audiences just how dark this comedy is. Unflinchingly sharp with his delivery, Maynard's performance is piercingly remarkable. Hyde takes on a more gentle persona (apart from a feral beastly outburst), whose searches for hope to anchor himself makes the piece so riveting. Maynard and Hyde are both charming performers, with a knack for physical comedy, clowning and spoken word, along with their strong emotional performances.
The two performers are a wondrous double act when leaning into the clowning scenes, with an impressive moment of pulling up each other's trousers, or simultaneously lifting a can go the other's mouth. Hyde particularly shines in these scenes, with exaggerated facial expressions.
The staging (Christophe Eynde) is minimal with a small puppet show box behind the performers, although this is rarely actually engaged with. However, it does help to store props and later serves as a clever method of bringing an extended metaphor alive. Holly Ellis (lighting design) also utilises this box to create a visualisation of the setting sun, with a warm glow and slanting rays of light.
The show culminates in a gorgeous final scene wherein time has run out and the sun is setting. In a vicious and painful internal argument, the protagonist's fears and problems are screamed out loud as the crippling anxiety and depression that has rippled throughout the piece comes crashing down. Hyde doesn't hold back as he unleashes gut punching questions to himself, even questioning why he feels depressed without any specific triggering event. The play tackles this with an unruly fierceness, yet is given the sensitivity it required. A final hopeful message helps to soak up the horror of being human with a gentle and brave choice.
I'd had the luck of catching an earlier production of the show last year, and the production has honed its triumphs in this new run at the Southwark Playhouse, resulting in a stronger piece overall. Double Act remains an undeniably powerful and moving piece.
★★★★★ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Tanya Pabaru
Comments