March 7, 2014
If ever two characters loved each other not wisely but too well it's Gabe and Anna, the pair at the centre of this story. They meet at a support group for people who have tried to commit suicide, and it's not a spoiler to say things don't end well.
This is a very impressive play, both in its writing and its execution (no pun intended). The scenes are well-balanced, developing the story, using different character combinations, with a good length and a pleasing symmetry. It shows a real understanding of theatre to stage a scene of two characters writing, one with their back to the audience, and make it so compelling.
All 4 actors are excellent. Doug Taylor and Nathalie Wright, as the Support Group Leader and Gabe's mother, perhaps have an easier job - as supporting actors they're allowed a little more comedy, a little more cliche. But they're definitely still real people. TAylor hits exactly the right note of serious, well-intentioned bonhomie, while Wright captures the different moods of her scenes extremely well. Avoiding caricature, she's just nutty enough to explain where Gabe gets it from.Calam Lynch and Jenny Flynn as the doomed lovers have a really good chemistry, whether getting together or falling apart. They're troubled but you warm to them, which is vital for the play to deliver the motional punch that it does.
Well-crafted script, well-judged direction. Highly recommended.