NOT THE WORST PLACE | STAGE REVIEW
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Tues 6 May
The story tells of seventeen year old Emma, played by Rachel Redford, during a difficult chapter of her life in hometown Swansea. Emma is pregnant by her hopeless yet endearing boyfriend Rhys, played by Scott Arthur, and is now faced with the difficult decision to choose between the security of her family or her happiness with Rhys.
The plot is intertwined with Greek Mythology; Emma pays particular attention to Homer’s Odyssey, and the god Zeus, and compares them with her own situation. At one point stating that if the gods survived such ordeals, so would she.
Not only does Emma have personal battles to face but she is also presented with her relentless mother, played by Kirsten Clark, and her loveable hypochondriac younger brother Jordan, who is played by Rhys Issac-Jones.
A well written play that is complimented by each actor’s undeniable skill and talent. Rachel Redford as our leading lady manages to build and maintain a different relationship with each of the supporting characters. An exasperated patience with Rhys, a loveable perseverance with her challenging brother Jordan and, finally, I was completely enthralled by the incredible chemistry between Emma and her mother, Dr Matthews. Both Rachel and Kirsten had a beautifully natural spark between them which electrified the characters’ extremely strained relationship and the audience were constantly waiting to see who would back down first between these headstrong, proud women.
The design of the set was exceptionally impressive, and changed scenes quickly for the actors. What originally appeared to be a quite basic backdrop turned out to be a very effective set that managed to transport the audience to multiple locations around Swansea.
I feel Not The Worst Place was very realistic in the way situations are handled; personally I was able to relate to some of the relationships which left me reminiscent with happy memories. I’d definitely recommend viewing this play as I’m sure the audience could all relate to or empathise with the heart-warming situations we are presented with.
words SARAH FINCH