Conversations We Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be Review
Photo by Ella Gant.
Written by Emily D for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Conversations We Never Had, As People We'll Never Be is a powerful and relatable exploration of love, loss, and the difficult choices that follow the end of a relationship. Skilfully written by Lucy Harris and directed with precision by India Dillon, this two-hander play showcases the raw vulnerability of its characters and the intricate emotions that accompany a breakup.
This play tells the story of Gina and Frankie, a couple who spent six years together before Gina decided she could not live like she was. We see Gina struggling to move on and is faced with an agonizing decision when she orders a pill online that will allow her to erase all memories of the relationship—but she has only 30 minutes to decide.
The play alternates between this present and pivotal conversation and flashbacks to their past, using the element of lighting tactically to distinguish these timelines. The dilemmas of the present tense are revealed through a cold, blue wash, highlighting the emotional distance of their current situation, whereas a warm yellow floods the stage during flashbacks, evoking the intimacy and warmth of their shared history.
The writing is exceptional—honest, witty, and deeply relatable. Harris captures the essence of the emotional chaos that follows a breakup, especially when the relationship was both deeply meaningful and, perhaps, ultimately destructive. Themes of sexuality, identity and the struggle to move on from a difficult love are handled with sensitivity and delicacy. The dialogue flows naturally, with humour that balances the heavier moments, making the characters' pain both intense and recognizable.
Harris, who also stars as Gina, delivers a performance that is both organic and captivating. Her subtle and natural facial expressions and gestures draw the audience into Gina’s internal world. Moments of light-heartedness are expertly timed, offering relief amidst the tension, and her comedic moments are as genuine as her heartbreaking ones. Siobhán Cassidy’s portrayal of Frankie is equally absorbing. She plays the role with poise, gradually revealing the nuances of her character and drawing the audience deeper into the complex emotions that define Frankie’s experience.
Dillon's direction is superb and compliments the writing effortlessly. The chemistry between the two characters is electric, making their interactions feel as though the audience is eavesdropping on a private conversation rather than watching a staged performance. The movement on stage is fluid, with seamless transitions between past and present, often using connecting words or gestures to transport the audience. The moments of narration are used sparingly and effectively, giving the audience insight into the characters’ inner thoughts without overwhelming the narrative.
Conversations We Never Had, As People We'll Never Be is a play that will leave you in tears, both from laughter at familiar interactions and heartbreak at the realization that sometimes, love isn’t enough. It is a poignant reminder of the complexity of relationships and the difficult decisions that come with moving on.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
