Heisenberg, Arcola Theatre Review
Photo: Charlie Flint
Written by Danai for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Heisenberg at Arcola Theatre is a deeply human-centred story that offers a unique, dialogue-driven exploration of vulnerability, human relationships, isolation, and the search for connection while grappling with loss and solitude. The production gives the audience ample space to fully immerse themselves in the narrative, offering something personal and unique to each viewer—a chance to find their own meaning in the story.
The play begins with Alex (played by Jenny Galloway), a 75-year-old woman listening to music at King’s Cross Station, unaware that in a few moments, Georgie (Faline England), a much younger woman, will kiss her on the neck. Georgie quickly realizes she has mistaken Alex for someone else. Rather than walking away, Georgie strikes up a conversation with Alex. Alex, though wary of Georgie's persistence, responds with a mix of intrigue and guardedness, revealing only small details about her life. Soon after, Georgie appears at Alex's workplace—a tiny butcher's shop Alex has run for years—where her barrage of questions and quirky energy intensifies. Ultimately, Georgie asks Alex out on a date, and, surprisingly, Alex agrees.
Their night together takes an unexpected turn when Georgie admits that their entire "love story" was a premeditated attempt to meet someone and secure money to fund her trip to New York where her son who refuses to talk to her is living. Georgie’s true motive is to resolve a family crisis that has been a source of deep pain for her.
What stands out in Heisenberg is the quality of the writing, which has a cinematic quality that feels intimate and expansive at the same time. The dialogue may not always sound "everyday," but it beautifully frames a story that is intensely word-based yet utterly captivating. Georgie’s character, at times, feels almost too eccentric, even for someone designed to shake things up. However, her energy is perfectly counterbalanced by Alex, whose grounded, reserved demeanor makes it believable that she’s not easily opened up. Their dynamic, in its tension and contrast, works wonderfully.
Simon Stephens’ writing is remarkable, and Katharine Farmer’s direction brings the piece to life in a way that feels organic and unadorned—there’s nothing extraneous that detracts from the actors' performances or the power of the text. From the set to the interactions on stage, everything is centred on the protagonists. For me, one of the most significant aspects of this production was the choice to cast Alex as a woman, which feels especially meaningful in a theatrical world that still struggles with adequate representation of women of all age groups in lead roles. This choice not only added depth to the play but also allowed for a broader exploration of Alex's character and her relationship with Georgie.
As I mentioned earlier, Heisenberg is a very personal experience because of its deeply character-driven narrative. Though it’s possible to critique the acting, writing, and direction as being extraordinary, it’s impossible to ignore how the play resonates on a more emotional level. Georgie and Alex are both survivors, each carrying unhealed wounds, outbursts, and contradictions. Their interaction is a complex negotiation, as they seek something from each other, all while navigating their own brokenness. Yet, the fact that Georgie had a plan for their whole interaction found me confused in terms of the play's goals.
While I understood the psychoanalytic layers of the relationship—how it’s built on connection and power dynamics—I couldn’t shake the feeling that Georgie’s manipulation, her calculated plan to exploit Alex’s trust, left a chill lingering in the air. The way she ultimately gets what she wants, even beyond her original intentions, made me question the portrayal of these power dynamics. While the play doesn’t romanticize abusive behavior, I do think the ending would benefit from a clearer conclusion. Without it, there’s a lingering ambiguity that could lead one to wonder whether an abusive relationship is in this case normalised and the two protagonists end up taking each what they want out of this dynamic.
Despite these reservations, I loved the psychoanalytic undertones and the title itself, which cleverly references the unpredictability of particles in physics—a fitting parallel to the unpredictability of human behavior. As Alex mentions, she loves music because of its unpredictability, and, in a way, the same can be said for people. This theme of unpredictability runs through both the characters and the entire universe of Heisenberg, making for an emotionally charged, talent-driven theatrical experience.
Heisenberg runs at the Arcola Theatre in London until 10th May 2025. Find out more and book tickets here.
★★★.5