REVIEW | Wreckage, Turbine Theatre

★★★★

Reviewer - ANNIE

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

Tom Ratcliffe’s play surrounds a gay man as he deals with the recent bereavement of his boyfriend. It is a beautiful exploration of the stages of grief and coping with loss. Ratcliffe’s writing is current and raw - highlighting honest emotion and certain elements that most can relate to regardless of their individual sexual identity. 

With very little use of staging or props, the focus is truly on the performers for the entirety of the show. Although this is a huge responsibility, the strength of both Ratcliffe and Walters is far more impressive than I could’ve anticipated. Both actors offer such raw, emotive performances, it's hard to separate fiction from reality - you’re drawn into their lives from the very start.

The script itself has been excellently written, it engages in the scenes with wonderful detail but also flows so seamlessly, the hour completely flies by. I think it is a very clever choice to have used some minimalistic staging as this really helps the script to flow as it does, any props would just hinder the flow of this piece. 

Grief and loss are the forefront of what this play is about, and although both are equally as heavy a topic as the next, Ratcliffe writes in such a special way that the play doesn’t leave any pain or heaviness. It is somewhat easy to slip into the low mood side of this topic (understandably) but for me, the play really engages in these painful moments. However, it is mirrored beautifully with lightheartedness. I particularly enjoyed the seamless flicks from current pain to fond memories - it offered a very real portrayal of grief, and how it is not just one linear path. 

The relationship between Ratcliffe and Walters is some of the most honest theatre performances I have seen in a long time. As only a cast of two, it is every bit more important that the connection and intimacy are felt from the get-go - and both actors successfully displayed this throughout. This was such a huge feat as it really enabled the audience to immerse themselves in the relationship and feel everything they both felt.

I personally feel that the Turbine Theatre was such a clever choice for producing this show in London, it is a beautiful space - keeping the audience as a small crowd, which only adds to the intimacy of this show. It felt like such a warm and safe space to be in and enjoy this performance. 

As mentioned earlier, Ratcliffe brilliantly explores the meandering path of loss and grief and offers both dark and light to reflect this. The closing sequence of the show was just stunning and beautifully encapsulated the never-ending journey we take part on with a personal loss. It’s fair to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I have not been that moved by a play in a long time, and this must be applauded as a celebration of Ratcliffe’s writing ability. 

‘Wreckage’ is a wholly emotive piece of theatre, which offers pain and comfort for all viewers. I really hope Wreckage comes back to the stage again soon!