DramaFeaturedLondonReview

Ikaria –Park Theatre, London

Reviewer: Jonathan Marshall

Writer and Director: Philippa Lawford

Ikaria enjoyed a warm critical reception when it premiered in London last year. Now, following a UK tour, Philippa Lawford’s two-hander returns to the capital for a brief run at Park Theatre.

Following a year out, which he claims was due to glandular fever, student Simon endeavours to quash the inner demons that plague him so he can get back on track with his Classics degree. He enters a relationship with Mia. She is a first-year student, acclimatising to the world of freedom and adult responsibility she suddenly finds herself in. Unlike Simon, Mia was state school educated and grew up having never known her father. In contrast, Simon stems from a wealthy family, with the two of them initially seeming at odds with one another. So begins that classic, at-ends relationship, though this will open deeper.

For a play set in Simon’s dorm, the smaller space at the venue is suitably intimate. Shane Gill’s considered lighting along with Laurie Blundell’s sound design add to an already rich production. Aesthetics aside, it is the actors who elevate proceedings.

James Wilbraham is so detailed in his portrayal that we feel we know him intimately. Crucially, he portrays depression as it is. Unpredictable, with those affected often presenting a front as placidity. Thanks to Lawford’s script, the condition is well depicted and organic. It is not a straight-line illness, but rather, comes with copious caveats and ramifications. This mental illness is all too easily wrapped up with a neat happy ending in most mainstream productions. Here it is dealt with truthfully and with great conviction by its cast and through its writing.

It is easy to see that Lawford writes from experience. She graduated only a few years before writing the play. It is therefore fuelled with authenticity, but reliant on its actors and director to do it justice. Wilbraham and Andrea Gatchalian succeed in painting the picture so beautifully that it remains stamped in one’s mind. A truly memorable production.

Runs until 2 December 2023

The Reviews Hub Score

A memorable production

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The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub London is under the acting editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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