The Vaults – til 20 July 2019
RAaw London’s The Chaos Theory Play tells a gripping story of three women who all struggle in different ways in modern society. Written and produced by Robbi Stevens, it was originally staged at Leicester Square Theatre in 2010 (under the title 180) and has now been collaboratively reworked – and, like its central characters, given a new lease of life for this one-week run at The Vaults.
In the play, three women – Becca (Shelley-ann Harrison), Caroline (Isidora Fairhurst) and Deanna (Yasemine Gava) – each wonders how, if they had a second chance, they could change their life paths and avoid domestic abuse, drug addiction, sexual harassment and mental ill health.
Multi-roling is used excellently to display the many relationships in the play, whether they are romantic, paternal, friends or co-workers. All these many connections make for a complex but intriguing plot that conveys the different sides to the many characters – whilst also exploring a range of accents and costumes, which is very entertaining to watch!
Kieran E Sims gives an amusing and touching performance, as both a caring, mentally challenged brother and a father suffering from Alzheimer’s. You warm to these supporting characters, even though they aren’t the main focus. Short bursts of comedy, though still rooted in darkness, also help to balance out the often harrowing main plot.
Another standout performance comes from Isidora Fairhurst as Caroline, a hardworking businesswoman with myriad pressures. Caroline’s life is full, balancing her job and her dad, who lives in a care home. The scenes where she allows her harsh facade to drop and focuses on her father are heart-breaking. This storyline really addresses the issue of lack of attention for the elderly in society.
The underground Vaults is a perfect venue for the darkness at the heart of The Chaos Theory Play – the fact that its entrance, via a tunnel on Leake Street, is almost hidden further chimes with the play’s themes. It’s an evening that takes a deep look at the dangers of the modern world and fights to change them. Everyone needs to see it.
The Chaos Theory Play: Opening
