When the story takes place in a fasting sanatorium that has caused many deaths, most people would probably assume that it is a fictionalised story. However, Fast, which is written by Kate Barton and Stephen Bennett and directed by Bennett, is an adaptation of true events. With most of what is told in this story having actually happened, it makes this production even more chilling, yet it is hard not to be intrigued by it.
The story takes place in the 20th century, and the main character is ‘Dr’ Linda Hazzard, who, although she calls herself a doctor, does not have a doctor's degree. She believes that fasting can cure all diseases and has even written a book on the subject. To further her beliefs, she opens a sanatorium while her husband, Sam, assists her in her endeavours. At the beginning of the story, two sisters, Claire and Dora, come to the sanatorium after reading a newspaper article about her book. They soon begin their treatment, unaware of the impending hell they are about to face.
The design of the stage (Junis Olmscheid) is very realistic. A closed window, two worn-out beds, a bathtub, a table with a pot of sarracenia on it, and a few chairs are basically all that is on the stage. Although the furnishings are not much, they are very successful in portraying the ancient and creepy atmosphere of the sanatorium. In addition to the always dim lighting (George Sellis) and the occasional noise from some unknown object (Jack Evans), the sanatorium becomes even more authentic and horrifying. At the back of the stage, there is a small screen which usually displays what is published in the newspaper.
The cast (Sarah Thom as Hazzard, Karl Wilson as Sam, Jermaine Dominique as Cayton, Maia von Malaisé as Claire and Imogen Gray as Dora) deliver a convincing performance. However, it is Thom's performance that stands out in particular,. Most of the time, she seems like a shrewd and hypocritical liar. Yet, when Dora weakly rests her head on her lap, she gives a tender look of genuine concern for her, giving a sense of her multidimensionality and complexity. Gray's portrayal of Dora is also very carefully crafted. Even when the other characters are not speaking particularly to her, she still offers her reactions, making the character even more solid.
Throughout the play, the audience is taken into the scenario of the story many times. Sometimes we are the target customers of ‘Dr’ Hazzard's book, and sometimes we become the audience in the courtroom. In addition, even before the sisters arrive at the sanatorium, ‘Dr’ Hazzard sits on the stage, observes the conversation between the two girls, and then communicates directly to the audience, giving a sense that she is in control of the entire situation.
While Fast, as a story, accomplishes the task of wrapping up the plot satisfactorily, it also leaves you wanting to see a little more of the psychological experience of these characters. Fast plays at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 17th November 2024. For more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Lucy Nixon
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