Never Let Me Go, which is based on the book by Kazuo Ishiguro and has been adapted for stage by Suzanne Heathcote and directed by Christopher Haydon, is a beautiful yet haunting play. Haydon's direction and Heathcote's adaptation brings out the fine intricacies of Ishiguro's writing, creating a memorable and stirring play.
The play follows Kathy (Nell Barlow), working as a carer as she recounts her childhood at the boarding school, Hailsham, to her patient Philip (Maximus Evans). At Hailsham, the audience is introduced to Kathy's two friends, Ruth (Matilda Bailes) and Tommy (Angus Imrie). Despite appearing to be an idyllic upbringing with laughter, and friendship and art, a grim reality exists outside of Kathy's bubble, one that slowly seeps into her childhood almost destroying it. Unable to escape from their looming reality, Kathy, Ruth and Tommy make the most of what little time they have.
Barlow convincingly plays Kathy from a young child to an adult, slipping between the two with ease and yet clear distinction. Barlow's portrayal of Kathy helps quickly grasp how fragile and scared she is, as she strives to remain hopeful and positive in this bleak world. Often at the centre of difficult conversations, heartbreaking situations and the emotional tangent of the story, Kathy is a precious character whom Barlow treasures. Barlow is wonderful to watch as Kathy, and chooses to prioritise the small details to denote how defeated Kathy slowly becomes as the show progresses. Evans, in his debut performance, is engaging and lovely to watch as lovable Philip. Although the role is small, Evans makes a lasting and unshakeable impact. In a clever full circle moment, Barlow and Evans are paired off of one another in the final scene in a new way.
Bailes is given the tough role of Ruth, a defiant and determined child who fiercely defends her insecurities. Bailes excels at capturing Ruth's fire without being too boisterous, carefully toeing the line between creating a difficult, yet sympathetic character. Bailes' strong performance contrasts well with her fellow performers, often pushing the story forwards quickly and loudly. Imrie is excellent as the sensitive, sweet, shy, yet explosive Tommy. Imrie's endearing performance is perhaps the most heart-wrenching performance of all, and the audience can't help but weep with him as he desperately clings onto new hopes only to have them cruelly stripped away. His pure and unfiltered anguish is unleashed throughout the piece, yet his final screams will leave audiences wrecked and torn within.
The themes and finesse of Ishiguro's writing translates well to the stage in this new script by Heathcote. Whilst the slow burn isn't quite as powerful in the play, the urgency and character's emotions pulsate more as we watch tragedy and realisation strike in person with more context than the characters. The song Never Let Me Go by fictional character Judy Bridgewater (composed by Eamonn O'Dwyer and sung by the majestic Marisha Wallace) adds to this, lifting Ishiguro's ideas off the page and directly into the audience's hearts.
The staging (Tom Piper) is simple and yet conveys a multitude of locations and decades of time without much change. A wooden frame work and white cloth backdrop creates a space that is ready to be converted as necessary. With bright white lights and a bed, it easily converts itself into Philip's hospital room, and with a few more personal touches, Ruth's hospital room. A warmer light and lack of bed helps immediately transport the stage into a school classroom. With a sofa and even more warm glow, the farmhouse. It's clever in its slick and clear transformations (Joshua Carr) which also assists in the split second scene transitions.
The costumes (Piper) feel timeless, yet helps place the characters in their respective ages. Kathy's grey skirt and top allows her to simultaneously portray a young school girl and a carer. Which is later replaced by a shirt and trousers as she grows up. Carolyn Downing (sound designer) creates a growing storm that rumbles around Kathy's world, ever threatening to come crashing in, which creates a wonderful soundscape alongside the growing realisation of her horrific world.
Never Let Me Go is a gentle but thought-provoking piece that is a slow but sure heart break as one watches the characters, particularly Kathy, succumb to reality. The twist is profoundly dark, resulting in deep conversations and a reminder to treasure the lives and time we have. Never Let Me Go is currently playing at the Rose Theatre in Kingston until the 12th October - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Hugo Glendinning
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