APRICOT at Theatre503

★★★★

“entertaining, engaging and ultimately relatable where it needs to be”

Apricot is a comedy about abortion. Right off the bat- this may be a hard sell for some. The show makes no apologies and pulls no punches in this pithy dark comedy which opens with an immediately gripping set-up. The characters speak frankly to one another and the audience are invited into the absurd and the heartfelt discussions between two teenage girls grappling with religion, Love Island and snap maps. The dialogue swings between wonderfully weird and brutally honest as the story progresses. Questions about abortion are asked and answers are not always given, which adds to its complexity and avoids dumbing down the subject matter. The show does not judge these two young women but rather offers their perspectives with humour and heart.

Written by Gigi Rice, the dialogue does not shy away from being graphic and gross and neither does the humour. Gina (Lucy Nicholson) is a religious naïve teenager who is also a bit of weirdo (an endearing one nevertheless). Angel (Jazz Tizzard) is more mature and world weary, relying on Gina for support. Angel uses abortion as a form of birth control and refuses to be the victim of her narrative. Nicholson and Tizzard are a spectacular duo who deliver laugh after laugh alongside some cutting moments of truthful girlhood. Nicholson portrays a brilliantly freakish wide eyed teen. Complementing the dynamic, Tizzard is more grounded and subtle. Caleb (Finlay Vane Last) appears as a minor role but manages to give provocative and humorous additions to the story, depicting a complex and funny male perspective without overstaying his welcome in a predominantly female focussed piece.

The set is fairly simplistic with a simple sofa and coffee table to set the location in Gina’s living room, accompanied by minimal lighting states (Fergus O’Loan). The costumes do the job and convey the story with some creative limitations (Clare Nicholson). Each scene is separated by a soundscape of relevant pop culture and news soundbites with some room for improvement, but overall quite effective (Sarah Cameron-West).

The story challenges the audience to withhold judgement as Gina and Angel squabble like sisters before a surprise visitor arrives. In a later scene, Angel begs Gina to forgive her in a moment dripping in religious subtext. The play leaves questions surrounding ‘the moral high-ground’ up in the air, with a somewhat bittersweet end that also feels cathartic. The conversations feel topical and unique without tired arguments and over the top scenarios. The subject matter and the tone of the piece is bound to be controversial for some, however the piece is entertaining, engaging and ultimately relatable where it needs to be.

APRICOT at Theatre503

Reviewed on 14th March 2024

by Jessica Potts

Previously reviewed at this venue:

A WOMAN WALKS INTO A BANK | ★★★★★ | November 2023

ZOMBIEGATE | ★★★ | November 2022

I CAN’T HEAR YOU | ★★★★ | July 2022

TIL DEATH DO US PART | ★★★★★ | May 2022

Apricot

Apricot

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