Foreverland
- tabithacatlin
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Southwark Playhouse Borough
Written by Emma Hemingford
Directed by Frederick Wienand
The trials and tribulations of living forever are something you will have never thought about in such depth, because it's impossible. So, why would you? Takes you on an emotive journey through them.
Review
Sat in the chair in a doctors clinic, waiting for the doctor to come in, assess you and take you in for surgery to be 'fixed'. What does that mean? That you're about to live forever. This is how briefly 'Foreverland' begins. The main characters are a couple: 'Alice' played by Emma Mcdonald, 'Jay' played by Christopher York and 'Dr Lane' played by Valerie Antwi. The audience grow with the couple, as they go into their lives free from illness and watch their relationship change from the long life they have be gifted.
The acting of the couple is refreshing and electric. Christopher York as 'Jay' plays a strong minded husband. Who's decision seems to decide for the both of them. You wonder throughout what he is hiding. Emma Mcdonald playing 'Alice' displays for the audience a bright, ambitious and positive character. She brings light to the pair and cares enough for the two of them. The dynamic of the two unfolding before your eyes is detailed. The starting scene were we see them discuss their fate seems you have missed a chunk of the journey. Which feels like you start the story from the middle. It would help you grasp a full understanding of the two and create an engagement with the character and audience.
The costume is interesting. The couple wear one costume for the majority of the show. Alice wears a denim jumpsuit and Jay wears a pair of chinos and a shirt. They alter the costumes throughout and add items of clothing over the top. This shows how they are not changing/aging on the outside. The scenes where they are flying through their lives together through Christmas' to birthdays and holidays is emotive and warm. Then, as time goes on you notice how their relationship changes and there is a wall between them. Yet they still carry on. When their daughter comes into the show it changes their lives drastically and brings a whole new set of advantages and disadvantages to their long lives. Young Annie is played by Emily Butler and when Annie is older she is played by Una Byrne. Emily Butler as Young Annie, represents a new out look on living forever and anxiety for the parents. You notice a change as the cast start facing the passing of family/friends and those waiting to get onto the medication. She wears a caterpillar onesie and butterfly wings. She tells the story of a butterfly and this shows how it is natural to age, but she questions what living forever means. Annie brings fear to the pair as they wonder whether she can or will be 'fixed' or not.
This show is a highly emotive piece and portrays the importance of life and death. Without death we do not develop, move on and grow. You just stay stuck. The decision of whether to take the medication and surgery to live forever is quick and to develop an emotional connection with the audience this section should be included and we process with the couple. Some scenes did feel prolonged and the political side although it was light, was still over done. The concept and what is covered is done in great depth. The emotional journey of the couple is naturalistic and believable, it is clear the actors have an understanding of what they represent. The doctors clinic was realistic, the correct questions were asked and as a medical professional I personally appreciate this attention to detail. Asking about medical history (themselves and family) and asking for medication history was spot on. If they asked about any over the counter/herbal remedies (non-prescribed) this also would've been fabulous.
'Foreverland' is one you should not miss. It is a fantastic concept and the way it is explored is authentic. You will be grateful of what thoughts/topics this show will spark in your mind and how it will make you feel.
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