Take Your Time at Bread and Roses Theatre Review
Take Your Time production image. Photo supplied by production.
Having been presented as part of Camden Fringe over the summer, Take Your Time returned for a one-off performance as part of the Lambeth Fringe. Performed at the Bread and Roses Theatre, it’s billed as “a bold new sci-fi play that uses time travel as a lens to explore grief, queer love, human connection, and the fragile nature of time”. An interesting premise and one that generally makes for a compelling play.
The initial action is split across two different time periods, although this isn’t obvious to begin with. We meet Francesca (played by performer and writer Lupe Ramos Bianco) and her partner Angela (Wren Perkins) in 2026. Francesca has developed a time machine, ready to take customers on journeys to experience periods of history they’ve always dreamed of visiting.
On the other side of the narrative is Thiago (Ben Willows). He is also developing a time machine in the hope of travelling to save his wife, who we assume has died. He is joined by his wife’s best friend Helena (Moana Doll). Both branches of the narrative are first signified using a ‘split stage’, with different areas being lit depending on whose story we are seeing unfold. This helps to keep track of the storyline as a whole and avoid confusion.
It’s not long before both branches of the narrative collide and we learn of an unexpected link between Francesca and Thiago, who are brought together in poignant, emotive scenes. Both characters have the opportunity to change their past, but are faced with the dilemma of whether or not they should.
Sound design by Paris Spivey is effective and includes various whirring sounds to depict the noises of the time machines. It definitely adds a good level of intensity where needed. Voice messages left for Francesca from her financial investor (played by Jake Hudson) could have done with being louder, and were a bit hard to follow at times.
Take Your Time is an enjoyable, well-acted play, and Greta Rilletti Zaltieri’s direction ensures the small space is used well. Whilst it does work at its current length, a longer running time could have perhaps allowed for a bit more character development.
★★★
Written by Emily for Theatre and Tonic, October 2026.
Content warnings: 16+, Flashing lights/Strong Language
