Review – News from Vauxhall

⭐⭐⭐⭐

By Andreea Helen David

Welcome to London! This devised piece of physical theatre would be the perfect way to introduce an outsider to the  wonderful, messy, creative, quirky, diverse London. Here comes “News from Vauxhall” by Bird Mouth Collective, an ensemble piece inspired by a ten- year series of prolific, poetic, and philosophic notes by writer and Vauxhall resident,  Alan Alphie Pritchard. 

It starts off awkwardly and a bit clunky and has potential to confuse because for a while it jumps from unconnected scene to another, but if you bear with it you will be compelled to watch on as you’ll be led through the story of the 4 friends and the complicated and depressed mind of Alan. I love how the author is present in this adaptation and how the boundaries of what’s real and what’s not are crossed so seamlessly. Alan is played brilliantly, so truthfully and empathically by Alain English. Alain is surrounded by three ladies, playing multiple characters, but the most important one is the spirit of his love who died and which he and his friends mourn.  They live in London and it seems a catalyst for the events is the underground explosion in 2007. This is at the epicentre of the story and is beautiful, so evocative and heartbreaking. The “spirit” is played by Virginia Brito, again a lovely performance, so gentle but one can see why she’s so sorely missed. This intertwined with dancing, singing and the collective movement, together with the stunning writing and the visuals and you have a wonderful night at the theatre. Buddleia Maslen also gives a notable performance, her singing is just stunning and her corporate boss/ demigod gave me chills as it was so real and of the world we live in but so cleverly described. A scene that stayed with me is right at the end, when the collage is finally cohesive and this final scene brings it all home. And of course it wouldn’t be a story about London if it didn’t have it’s humour, quirkiness and surrealism. News from Vauxhall is directed by Anca Vaida and adapted by Michelle Hanks and both have done a tremendous job giving new dimensions to such wonderful and poetic writing while taking it that much further. The whole cast, which Michelle Hanks is also part of, work so well together and the direction makes sure that all have equal voices and equal representation in the multitude of characters and typologies they bring to life. 

On at The Hope Theatre

207 Upper Street Islington, London N1 1RL

25, 26th of February