Curating at Red Lion Theatre Review
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
What happens when we die? Heaven, hell? Or perhaps a HR meeting with far too much paperwork? You probably wouldn’t expect the last option.
Curating is an inventive and thought-provoking exploration of the choices we make, offering a refreshing interpretation of purgatory and what might follow life’s end.
We’re first introduced to Matilda (Andrea Matthea), one of the curators, dressed in a Victorian ensemble complete with frills and a long skirt. As she strolls through the office, she takes a casual puff on a vape, drawing a chuckle from the audience and setting the tone for the show’s clever play with time and tone. Soon after, we meet the second curator (Gwithian Evans), who we learn has been assigned Freya’s (Helen Cunningham) case.
When the Curator steps out to collect paperwork, Freya is joined by John (Trey Fletcher), another person stuck in this purgatory-like setting who taxidermist that died in 1898 — a striking contrast to Freya’s 2025 passing. What follows is a fascinating exchange between two people from entirely different worlds, as they share insights into their lives, discoveries, and the passage of time, with a mentions of modern inventions, with the Rubik’s Cube being the first thing that comes to Freya’s mind.
This dynamic between eras is mirrored visually. Freya, dressed in a crop top and joggers, sits across from John, in a crisp waistcoat, trousers and brogues. The set design captures this perfectly — a modern office with a laptop and printer sits comfortably alongside a vintage patterned tea set, highlighting the play’s blend of old and new.
Through thoughtful dialogue and natural chemistry, the characters grapple with what it means to have lived a good life, to be loved, and to face the mistakes that linger after death. The writing strikes a fine balance between humour and introspection, leaving the audience to quietly reflect on what they might do differently if given another chance.
The Red Lion Theatre proves the ideal home for this production. The 50-seat space, tucked above one of London’s oldest pubs, fosters a sense of intimacy and immersion that perfectly complements the play’s tone. From the front row, it almost feels as though you’re seated within the office yourself, sharing in each revelation.
Written by Helen Cunningham, who also delivers a fantastic performance as Freya, Curating is directed perfectly by Nikoletta Soumelidis, with music by Grace Morrison enhancing the play’s emotional depth.
Curating runs at the Red Lion Theatre until 10 November.
★ ★ ★ ★
