Ohio at Young Vic Review
Abigail and Shaun Bengson in Ohio. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Ohio is an intimate and deeply personal production from the Bengsons, blending storytelling, song and lived experience into a piece of theatre that feels both raw and uplifting. A beautiful show, performed by a wonderfully talented couple, it asks big questions about life, faith and where we go when we die.
Performed by married couple Abigail and Shaun Bengson, Ohio tells their real-life story through faith, their respective degenerative diseases and their son’s questions about death and what may come after. Their journey is shared through song, with a moving indie-folk score at its heart.
From the very beginning, there is an intentional atmosphere of inclusivity. Abigail and Shaun make it clear that everyone is welcome in the space, and this is reflected not only in their words but in the way the show is presented. The entire performance is captioned on a large screen, ensuring accessibility for all, and they openly share that they are both autistic and may stim during the show, warmly inviting the audience to do whatever they need to feel comfortable too. It sets a tone of openness and acceptance, underpinned by music that carries a universal sense of connection.
Abigail is a radiant presence on stage, with an infectious smile and an enchanting voice. She is the perfect match for Shaun’s slightly more reserved energy, his low, earthy vocals adding depth to Abigail’s lighter tones. Together they create harmonies that feel entirely lived-in, as though the music comes from somewhere deeper than performance alone.
Shaun’s relationship with faith, and the experience of growing up as the son of a pastor while quietly falling out of love with religion, is a thread that runs throughout. From a strict upbringing to leaving the church, his story raises questions about heaven and hell, and how one copes with uncertainty when prayer is no longer the natural response.
Abigail also touches on her faith, leading the audience to hum along to the start of a Jewish prayer. Explaining that she sees Judaism as a religion of doubt and mystery, she shares that it is “allergic to certainty, meaning it’s allergic to fascism.” She continues: “the most Jewish thing I can imagine doing right now is working for the liberation of Palestine” — a statement that drew an almighty cheer from the audience.
Another central strand of Ohio explores Shaun’s hearing loss. Having been born with congenital hearing loss, his awareness of following the same path as his father is poignantly told. A particularly striking moment uses microphone effects to simulate how tinnitus alters his hearing and how it will progress over time. For someone unfamiliar with the condition, it is both eye-opening and moving to experience this through sound.
Throughout, there are moments of audience participation that build a real sense of connection. These interactions feel warm and meaningful, inviting the audience to share in the Bengsons’ reflections on life, death and faith, while also celebrating the joy of being together in the same room.
With Ohio, the Bengsons have created something tender, thought-provoking and beautifully performed, leaving the audience reflecting on love, mortality and the spaces in between.
Although I didn’t get to see the end of the show due to an unfortunate show stop, I fully intend to return. Ohio is a beautifully captivating piece that lingers with you long after you leave the theatre.
Plays at Young Vic until 24 October
★★★★★
