When It Happens To You, Park Theatre Review
When It Happens to You at the Park Theatre. Photo by Mark Douet.Written by Emily for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
When It Happens to You is a true story, based on writer Tawni O’Dell’s own family and the aftereffects of her daughter’s rape. Although the subject matter is dark, this is a play that actually has a lot of hope and love, with the actors displaying powerful raw emotion throughout.
Much of the story is told through narration, the majority by Tara, a character based on O’Dell. There are also “flashback” scenes depicting the characters’ memories of past events. Sound and lighting is used very effectively throughout the production, particularly when signifying a shift from the narration to past events.
Tara is beautifully played by Amanda Abbington. She is utterly convincing as a mother who is trying to guide her family through the aftermath of an awful assault and support her daughter, whilst coming to terms with the impact the assault has had on herself. Her final monologue in particular is compelling and heartbreaking and you could honestly hear a pin drop in the audience.
The cast is completed by Rosie Day as daughter, Esme, Miles Molan as son, Connor, and Tok Stephen, who alternates between a few roles. All three actors are engaging to watch and Stephen’s ability to seamlessly switch between the different roles he plays is particularly impressive. Another highlight is Day’s monologue towards the end of the play, where her character reflects on life before the attack. A moving, heartfelt performance.
The actors remain on stage throughout the play, standing at the back observing, and sometimes reacting to, the action when they are not involved in it. This could be seen as symbolising the characters’ shared struggles in what they are collectively going through and proves an effective artistic choice by Director Jez Bond. The Park200 space is used well, with good movement. I did, however, find there were some moments of lost dialogue due to the thrust stage space and being sat above the action at the side. Nevertheless, this by no means affected my overall enjoyment of the production.
This true story is one that definitely deserves to be told and brings tough topics to the forefront. These topics are dealt with sensitively, yet powerfully, thanks to the writing and accomplished acting and direction.
At Park Theatre until 31 August 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
