Theatre: The Spring Tide

Venue: Old Red Lion Theatre, Islington
Tickets: from £12 (or what you can afford to pay on Tuesdays) http://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/the-spring-tide.htm
Run: Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 3pm - until 21st September

With little given away in the publicity material for this play, we sat down in the cosy intimate space of the Old Red Lion studio space, not knowing what to expect. 

The staging was simple, a wall decorated to reflect a coastal view, created by A4 print outs of photos of the two main characters, and 5 wooden storage crates. Yet with this simple props (and the occasional addition of a bicycle) we were transported to a multitude of settings and times, all equally believable. 

Barriers between the stage and the audience were broken down, enhancing the romantic tension, as actors and sets pushed themselves right into the space between the two. 

Producer Oliver Taheri (@OliverTProds) said he was drawn to this play and a desire to see it produced as it represents quality new writing (thanks to Carol Vine) about characters and a situation that is often invisible with the media - women coming out later in life, after being married and having a family. And yet, within the cast, crew (and this audience member) there were many examples of this situation occurring. 

As the older characters' situation escalates, we are given the insight of how their relationships have developed since they were children. The decisions being made in later life are a consequence of the choices made when younger - exploring whether compromise and conformity are the best options.

With well developed characters,  outstanding dialogue and excellent performances across the board, this production has everything going for it.

This tear-jerking, dynamic, tense and poignant drama is incredibly well and subtly delivered, from it's philosophy to what is presented on stage. Despite the unexpected ending, which did wrestle with my conscience a little, this play has everything that is the best of studio theatre. Bravo. 

By Katie