Cold Water, Park Theatre Review

Written by Eleanor for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own.

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Cold Water is a new work written and directed by Philippa Lawford. The play follows Emma (Julia Pilkington), a recent University graduate who has returned home to work at her local school and tries to apply for a drama programme. It is here that she meets Matt (Jolyon Coy). As the drama teacher, he takes Emma under his wing as they both prepare their students to perform an end of year play. As they get to know each other and spend more time together, their relationship begins to develop in a way that neither of them can escape.  

By the end of the 1 hour 15 minute run time, I was completely engrossed in these characters. The whole story was well rounded and engaging, with every scene being well thought out. The kind of relationships explored here are relatable and the whole play really captured my attention. 

I really loved Philippa Lawford’s script. It really helped to expand the story when the emotions and views of the students’ play reflected the internal emotions of the protagonists. In moments where Matt and Emma would read to each other, the parallel became even more evident. This was also a more interesting way for them to express their feelings without openly telling the other person. The story overall also developed very naturally; although the premise was very simple—a teacher and a student with a growing relationship—each individual scene was interesting and never felt unnecessarily drawn out. While the tension was limited in some moments because I ultimately knew what would happen, it was still fascinating to see it play out. There were even moments where I was a little bit on edge, sensing how a climax could happen but unsure of the outcome and its fallout. Overall, I felt that the script achieved what it set out to do.

The characters of Matt and Emma were also very believable. They truthfully reflected power-imbalance relationships and how they can develop. I was particularly drawn to the fact that these two characters seemed to be so similar on the surface but were actually opposites. Jolyon Coy delivered a performance that was both funny and charming. He played up to the audience and worked well with Julia as a duo, creating believable and dynamic interactions. His ability to handle the more personal moments with subtlety and then snap out of them when he realized things were getting too personal added depth to his character, enhancing the story. Julia Pilkington captivated the audience with her portrayal of Emma’s naivety. She played a range of emotions exceptionally well, evoking genuine empathy. Julia also brought humour to the play but her most compelling moments were when she was alone or using silence to build tension, showcasing her ability to convey depth and complexity through subtlety.

Some of the specific scenes I enjoyed were those which utilised drama games, used to teach the class, to increase the tension between Emma and Matt. In these moments they were forced to confront each other and really observe what the other was doing or how they were feeling. These moments, although they stopped the plot, provided excellent insight. I also loved the amount of time which was given to show Emma recording a piece for her drama school audition. Again, this really helped me understand the character on a deeper level and her actions going forward. 

Throughout Cold Water I had a preconceived idea of what would happen and although some of this came to fruition, I was still surprised. The ending was interesting yet satisfying and neatly wrapped up the story for both characters. 

Overall, Cold Water is engaging, well-paced and compelling, providing a thought-provoking look at complex relationships. Jolyon Coy and Julia Pilkington deliver believable and nuanced performances, adding depth and humour to their roles. This is a play I am very glad to have seen. 

Cold Water is playing at Park Theatre (PARK90) from the 14TH May 2024 –25th May 2024. 

Cold Water is currently part of a double-bill package at Park Theatre. By booking to see both Cold Water and Sniff (which has also been reviewed by Theatre & Tonic) together, you can get a reduced ticket price. More information is available at the Park Theatre website.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆