Side by Side, at the Etcetera Theatre, London Review
Written by Eloise for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own
Content warnings: strong language.
Funny, touching and contemplative new piece of writing Side by Side,, written by Dexter Robinson, is the newest piece of fringe theatre to hit the circuit. Produced by brand new company, Stump’d Theatre, Side by Side, follows Evie and Blake, a young couple, through moments of their relationship in the space of Evie’s apartment - which ends up becoming their shared home. We explore if it is ever possible to fully love someone when you know all of them, or if we present a perfect version of ourselves to our partner to appear more lovable.
Evie is competitive and charged, met perfectly with Blake’s guarded and passionate nature. The two are instantly likeable - played by Theodora Taylor and Alex Jen. Taylor thrives with Evie, making her emblazoned, feisty and highly relatable. Jen hides a powerful depth which shines in moments of silence from Blake’s character – Jen’s eyes telling us the whole story. We can see how in love the couple are, and how they become more comfortable with each other in the developing scenes. Robin Halliday plays the mysterious mentioned boyfriend - opening and concluding the play with their presence onstage occupying the apartment. A lovely touch and clever direction with Halliday leaving a lighter in the opening which Blake then picks up and uses in the next scene. Exploring the idea of if we can ever start fresh with a new partner.
I would have liked to have seen more of this direction - as in moments the action of the characters seemed forced. Though the space of the apartment was utilised well on stage, there could have been more natural moments involving other pieces of set other than the sofa. This may have aided the feeling of progression between scenes too. Though the lighting, designed by Rebecca Burgess, and acting from all members of the cast did well to communicate time passing.
I also felt perhaps the underscored musical opening scene, and the fluid transitions could have been dropped - or committed to more fully to be made more of a feature. There were some lovely moments such as Blake reaching for the painting - but this felt out of place with the naturalistic quality of the rest of the play. More of this movement, or, keep the piece grounded in kitchen sink naturalism to align its identity more fully.
The script is very strong and bridges the gap really well between conversational and poetic. Full of quips and wit, it’s a well-constructed play - allowing character to lead with just enough for the audience to construct backstories for the characters and situations. It feels very current, referencing topical discussions - but also is ageless in the exploration of relationships and if to be loved is to be known, or if to be known is to be unlovable.
However, the addition of the boyfriend character, played with ease and attitude by Halliday, felt like it needed more. I needed to believe that Evie had something even more special than with Blake to keep thinking of them. But perhaps that is the point… can we really ever start again with someone new? Or are we tainted slightly and touched by palimpsests of others that never truly leave us?
A strong and engaging debut performance from Stump’d Theatre. This was a simple show, very well executed. Highly watchable actors with a delightfully witty and deeply contemplative script. I’m very excited to see what they do next.
Side by Side, was performed at The Etcetera Theatre on the 20th- 22nd March 2026.
★ ★ ★ ★
