Spin Cycle at Underbelly, Bristo Square Review
Brought to the Fringe by Beserk Theatre, Spin Cycle explores the story of a launderette meet-cute with charm and humour. But characters Kitt and Noel feel oddly familiar to each other, and as they gradually remember their past relationship, former struggles and love resurface.
Both Kitt (Zofia Zerphy) and Noel (Rhiannon Bell) are immediately likeable characters, and although they often clash, the clever writing (also Zerphy) ensures that the audience feels equal sympathy for them both, sharing in the conflicts of their former relationship. Both actors give incredibly engaging performances, with a charm that puts the audience at ease in the small, intimate performance space. They also have a wonderful natural chemistry, encouraging the audience to root for their relationship.
The liminal setting of the launderette is perfect for this story, and the staging is realistic enough to bring the space to life for the audience, without overcrowding an already small (typically Fringe) performance space. In fact, this intimate space works in the production’s favour – the performance I attended was full, but every member of the audience was fully engaged and invested in this love story.
Zerphy’s writing is warm and witty, gradually revealing information about the characters’ lives to us to effectively increase the emotional impact. The writing is beautifully brought to life by Bethan Rose’s direction, which charts the emotional highs and lows of the play without it ever becoming repetitive. She manages moments of grief and heartbreak, but also desire, flirting and humour. All together, these elements chart Kitt and Noel’s love story with nostalgia and heart.
I might have liked more resolution from the play – without giving any spoilers, the central issue of why the characters keep forgetting each other seems to remain unanswered. I didn’t fully understand the ‘rules’ of the world of the play, although the story’s charm was unaffected by this choice.
In a world where lesbian stories onstage are increasingly rare (especially featuring the portrayal of a non-binary character), it is a delight to see Spin Cycle exploring love and loss so beautifully.
Spin Cycle plays at Underbelly, Bristo Square until 31 August
★★★★
Written by Madeleine for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
