Writer: Marie Castel
Director: Anna Clart
The Hope Theatre is hosting the Write Club Festival, aiming to bring in new and exciting productions. The Silence That Follows is loosely inspired by Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, where music becomes the central moving agent to bring this story to fruition.
The play centres around Harry (Oliver Maynard) and Ophélie (Marie Castel). Music is a vital component of their life. Playing for an average orchestra, the two feel discontent with the direction of their life.
Early in the production, the two realise that each can see the same mysterious Male Figure (Rufus Hunt) after their orchestra plays. They attempt to see him again and again with little success, as the only way to see this mysterious figure is after their orchestra plays well. This becomes problematic when a young woman, named Giulia, plays her instrument badly. Soon, a plan is hatched to drive her away.
This plan works but has deadly consequences. Neither feels much guilt until a Female Figure (Anita Brokmeier) appears and slowly corrupts the Male Figure. It is unclear if the Female Figure is Giulia herself or an entity appearing physically similar to her, as the billing does not name Brokmeier as Giulia.
At the beginning of the story, the flow between timelines is well done. The story unfolds as the future occasionally is occasionally glimpsed. The two main actors easily move around each other as they navigate their desires and work together to achieve their goal of interacting with the Male Figure. As the play continues, the flow becomes stilted, perhaps to show the chaos of events.
The timelines slowly merge until the two characters meet for the first time in a year. The flow in the second half is often confusing, especially as Hunt takes on numerous roles. It is unclear if his roles are all separate or are somehow connected to the Male Figure.
In addition, there is no clear explanation given as to what exactly the Male Figure represents. This is not necessarily an issue, as this allows audiences the chance to come to their own conclusion, but this leads to a lack of understanding at the beginning of the production as to why two strangers team up with such ferocity to gaslight another member of their orchestra. There appears to be no reward in it for them, and this lack of insight leads to uncertainty as to why this Male Figure is so important to them.
Overall, music is a defining characteristic of this production, and the sound quality is well done. The music is powerful yet not overwhelming, perfectly enhancing the story.
Runs until 24 January 2026
