Writers: Lucy Curry and Carl Wylie
Directors: Lucy Curry and Paula Penman
The canniest couple you could ever wish to meet are trapped – and making the best of it. It is great to spend time with them as they go about their daily routine in Subterranea, a new play which premiered at Whitley Bay’s tiny Laurels theatre last night.
This comedy venue – just a doorway to rooms above on Whitley Road – has become a lauchpad for new, North East-inspired writing, with its show Gerry & Sewell living the dream and about to play at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
Subterranea has been created by Lucy Curry and Carl Wylie at Laurels in partnership with Peachplant Productions, and you can feel the love and attention to detail which has been bestowed upon it.
Our couple Sophie and Charlie, along with thousands of others, have been sheltering in the Below’s Metro tunnels for five years due to an apocalyptic event. But they certainly haven’t lost their sense of humour, and joy is palpable at the weekly Northern Soul nights which punctuate the plot. Sophie’s mam Jean is there too, a bit of a wheeler dealer at the food bank, with a love of old things from the Above. The radio she acquires not only taps into the characters’ shared nostalgia for the nineties and life Above but also leads to all kinds of opportunities.
The central performances of these three are beautiful, in particular the understated charm of Natasha Haws as Sophie. Adam Donaldson as Charlie is hugely likeable and Judi Earl as strong-willed Jean is a delight.
They are supported by three students from SA Performing Arts Centre, who play friends and neighbours, and who are responsible for moving sets and props.
The Set Guise have kept it simple with two pieces which can be rotated to create a train exterior, or two different homes. Innovatively, these movements happen to a dimmed lights and a blast of music which the trio often sing along to as they make the change, such as Dream Academy’s Life in a Northern Town.
While apocalyptic scenarios are not new, this one has been very well thought out, with lots of detail, while always playing second fiddle to the human relationships portrayed. The banter is very enjoyable but always part of the plot, which rarely introduces ideas or memories without picking up on them again later on.
As the promise of release to the Above is repeatedly postponed, Sophie plans her family’s escape, making for a tense second act. And the audience is truly invested in her success.
Runs until 28 September 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Expertly crafted
