‘Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons’ review
‘a huge success, with political relevance and resonating messages of how a controlling government can influence and destroy lives and relationships, and it is a play not to be missed.’
First Theatre Company’s production of Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons does an outstanding job of balancing political poignancy, class divides, domestic turmoil, and moments of comedic brilliance. Set in a dystopian future, Sam Steiner’s play explores the relationship between a lawyer and a political activist when the government introduces a quietude bill (or hush law), which restricts citizens to saying a maximum of 140 words per day.
The direction of Emma Lawley and Dante Butler excels in engrossing the audience in Bernadette and Oliver’s relationship, cleverly managing the constant moving back and forth through time to highlight comparisons between the couple’s relationship before the hush law is introduced and after. One notable way they achieved this was through the use of a simplistic set of two chairs and a large cabinet, with the chairs’ positions swiftly altered as scenes changed to highlight a passage (or reversal) of time. Whilst certain moments could have benefitted from a faster pace or stronger purpose, the overall fluidity of the play is surely to be commended.
Beth Rose is phenomenal as Bernadette, with her expressive performance perfectly embodying Bernadette’s inner conflict as she balances her love for Oliver with her hesitation to stand up against the hush law. Rose’s quiet moments of contemplation and careful usage of her remaining words are a standout of the production. Ben Hooker’s performance as Oliver is equally gripping, with his impeccable comedic timing being met with resounding laughter. Although I would have liked to have seen a stronger, more confident range of emotions shown, Hooker does a fantastic job of embodying the politically passionate, self-centred, and frustrated character. As a pair, the chemistry between the two actors is brilliant, and they effortlessly create a tense atmosphere through the conflicts of their relationship.
Production Manager Luna Oladiji does a wonderful job at leading the production team to create a smooth and coherent production, from the homely stage set-up to the simple yet effective technical aspects. The lighting, designed and operated by Alex Richardson, switch between a couple of different states to clearly show flashbacks and flash-forwards that take place throughout the play. These changes in lighting add to the movement of chairs and costume changes to present clear and fluid transitions between scenes. The costumes used are simple and frame each character’s personality wonderfully, with quick costume changes taking place behind the large cabinet as layers are added or removed to show passages of time and changes in the characters.
Overall, Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is a huge success, with political relevance and resonating messages of how a controlling government can influence and destroy lives and relationships, and it is a play not to be missed.
By Jack Radcliffe.
Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is showing at 19:30 on Friday 12th December at The City Theatre.