So much for the idea that theatres would only put on cheerful, mindless stuff as soon as they reopened. The Almeida’s first show since March is an intriguing, uneven collection of “stories for a long winter” and songs, linked by the theme of isolation. There is humour in it, and beauty, and it casts a spell. But a feelgood Christmas show it is not. Even the warm, introductory voiceover by a Judi Dench soundalike warns us we are being lied to.
Six actors gather in a circle, some with musical instruments, the walls behind stacked with firewood to evoke a campfire atmosphere. An introspective, folky song segues into a fantastical rant by a woman who asserts her own solitary nature as smug preparation for the loneliness and chaos of the pandemic.
Suddenly we’re in a brainstorming session for a Christmas advert, everyone pitching ideas. St Bernard dogs! Delivering presents! In biplanes! Then, with an abrupt screech of the brakes, we observe a young black man and woman angrily arguing about whether or not to attend a Black Lives Matter demo. Another screech, and an older, probably divorced man sarcastically bakes banana bread.
There is a polish to the whole enterprise that softens the abrupt changes of tone. The show is devised by director Rebecca Frecknall, writer Chris Bush and the cast, who all together make up an eclectic roster of talent.
But inevitably it’s hit-and-miss. The BLM couple and the ad team earn their return appearances later on. A woman who buys a campervan to seek solitude arguably does not. I admire Maimuna Memon as an actor but her songs here are overwrought. A monologue by Luke Thallon about adopting an abandoned dog starts off witty and deft before tipping into obviousness. The story of loss and grief told by Naana Agyei-Ampadu before the final song is a heartbreaking narrative full-stop.
But, you know what? Good for them. In absurdly hard circumstances, London’s theatres are producing crowd-pleasers and comedies but also risky, thoughtful, challenging work. That mix is vital for the capital’s cultural ecology. The sector may be haemorrhaging money and talent, but its spirit and variety remain strong.
To Jan 9, almeida.co.uk
