Theatre Review - THE WASP - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

photos by Paul Hood

Written by Morgan Lloyd Malcom, The Wasp is ultimately a tale of trauma and how the two characters choose to cope with it. It’s a very dark show that deals with some very difficult subject matter. Externally, Heather is doing much better in life than her former classmate Clara, but internally is a different story. With many twists and turns, you will not see coming, the audience sat stunned for most of the show. The play seems to ask the question: can you excuse the abuse caused by someone who has been abused themselves? Can you break the cycle? The plays conclusion; no. It forms the chance as one to walk away, or pick up a knife instead, and violence is the choice we make. The show has a well-crafted ending, but the show is very intense and hard-going. This is more a visceral piece of theatrical art than a ‘nice night out at the theatre’.

photos by Paul Hood

Director Rhiannon Wilson really dug into the emotion of the piece, creating something that often felt painfully real. Having the audience surround the small stage added to the claustrophobic and extreme feelings of the show. Sound (Craig Fairbairn) and lights (Karen Dales and Karl Burr) added to the sinister feel of the show. The set (designed by Anneliese Clifton and Stewart Dives) was simple but effective, with artwork hung on all four walls symbolising different aspects of the play. Annie Elizabeth Cairns gave a funny, foul-mouthed and at times agonisingly real performance as Carla. Hattie Eason took you on Heather’s journey with ease - from slightly awkward and haughty, to sinister and disturbing. Both women put in outstanding performances, carrying the whole show between them.

It is a very powerful and emotive show, with no interval, and with a lot of verbal content that may be triggering some people.

photos by Paul Hood

The Wasp is showing at The People’s Theatre until the 12^th September.