Cassie and the Lights, Southwark Playhouse Borough Review
Emily McGlynn (Kit), Alex Brain (Cassie) and Helen Chong (Tin) in Cassie and the Lights. Photo by Claire BilyardWritten by Bronagh
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings – strong language, adult themes and themes of loss.
Following rave reviews and critically acclaimed runs in New York, Australia and Edinburgh, Cassie and the Lights has landed at Southwark Playhouse Borough for two weeks. A touching story of loss, love and family, this is not one to be missed.
Cassie and the Lights is based on real-life events as well as interviews with children who are in the care system. We follow Cassie (Alex Brain) and her younger sisters Tin (Helen Chong) and Kit (Emily McGlynn), who have found themselves in the care system after their mother disappears. Cassie fights to care for her sisters herself but finds herself fighting her way through the legal system all while foster carers are keen to adopt her sisters, fading Cassie out of the picture.
The story is told in a very sensitive and simple way, from the viewpoint of each sister, evoking many emotions. Cassie is used to her mum’s behaviour, used to going to the pub down the road to collect her and make her come home. She is used to going to a local bowling alley to keep warm when the electricity is cut off. Tin and Kit are used to their mum being away for a little while, but always coming back. They’re used to Cassie playing mum, and caring for them. It’s a heartbreaking watch, made even more difficult by knowing the show is based on true events. We totally understand why Cassie wants to care for her sisters, despite the confusing and frustrating legal procedures, but we really root for her to think about herself. To follow her dreams. To go to university.
Staging Cassie and the Lights in a smaller theatre space is a great move. Facial expressions and gestures are key here, bringing the show together. Being able to see Cassie up close, beaming and radiating pride when she sees her sisters all dressed up for the school disco is a gorgeous, emotional moment. Seeing Kit’s face contort as she sobs her heart out reminds us that this is a very real situation for children out there. The intimate set up also allowed for a great, informal beginning to the show where Tin and Kit would speak to audience members and ask their names. This was very sweet to see, oozing childhood innocence.
Alex Brain (Cassie) in Cassie and the Lights. Photo by Claire BilyardThe set is made up of suitcases, which double as screens with dates and pictures of the sisters displayed. Lights are used extremely effectively throughout with bright shining lights used alongside dimmer lights for those – literally- darker moments. I especially loved the projections of constellations, a lovely dreamy feel. Music is present throughout; not overpowering but amplifying the more poignant and tender moments. Using voiceovers for the ‘grown ups’ in the show is brilliant, eliminating additional cast members and ensuring the focus stays on the three sisters.
Last but no way least, the cast can only be described as perfection. There is absolutely nothing I can fault with any of the performances. Helen Chong and Emily McGlynn’s performances are so sweet yet moving, perfecting the childlike way of telling stories. Alex Brain’s performance as Cassie is both enchanting and heart wrenching.
Cassie and the Lights is, to put it simply, perfect theatre. There is not one thing that I can find fault in, instead being in awe of this wonderful production. May the lights continue to shine on Cassie, Tin and Kit as this show continues its journey.
At Southwark Playhouse Borough until 20th April 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
