HEISENBERG
Arcola Theatre
★★★
“this show reminds us how true connection can come in many forms”
Longing, vulnerability, alienation, second chances. As time passes, we are forced to take a look at our lives and reflect on the people we’ve lost, our career, who we are. Simon Stephens’ play Heisenberg, through a touching story of finding connection when you least expect it, captures the whole spectrum of human interaction, giving us poignant language along with witty banter.
Alex (Jenny Galloway), a 75-year old woman, receives an unexpected kiss on the neck from Georgie (Faline England), a bubbly American who can’t stop swearing. They start talking, or to be more accurate Georgie starts talking, firstly about herself and then trying to figure out Alex’s character by bombarding her with questions and assumptions, while Alex wants to find a way out of this conversation. A few days later, Georgie shows up at Alex’s shop and before long, a peculiar connection has formed which brings chaotic Georgie and quiet Alex closer and closer. Till Georgie asks for a favour that makes Alex question whether it’s all been fabricated or genuine.
Heisenberg is a production that creeps up on you. Awkwardness and wariness give way to authentic moments of vulnerable melancholy, side by side with hilarious one-liners. Light and dark come together in a blend that is familiar if you know Stephens’ work and writing style. The way director Katharine Farmer has handled the text, interchanging between letting the text lead the way, like a beautiful literary interval, and letting the characters shine through, is very interesting. Of course we need to appreciate the words, savour them, pay attention to them, but in a piece of theatre, the live spontaneity and action of the characters should be the focus, even in moments of wordy pondering or reminiscing. That would also help with the pacing, which feels like it’s dragging at times, the sharpness of the smart comebacks and comedic lines often suffering because of that.
The contrast between the two characters is distinct, created by two skilful and obviously experienced actors. Changing Alex’s sex from man to woman is a choice that alters the dynamic between Alex and Georgie and the impact the play has on the audience. The relationship between our two characters feels more tender, more equal, more focused on companionship. On the other hand, there is a general lack of spark and intrigue. It’s like sailing steadily in very calm waters, without any sort of fluctuation of the waves or the weather to make things more interesting and add a level of risk. Overall, it’s a choice that provides a new perspective onto the relationship, but not in a particularly successful way in the long run of the play.
Lighting designer Rajiv Pattani did not hold back and really stressed the journey’s turning points and mood changes smoothly and skilfully. Moreover, lighting assisted with the lack of any actual set, filling a stage that was left plainly bare (except for two chairs). Sound design (Hugh Sheehan) also came to the rescue, giving us clear locations by providing background noise when necessary. It’s quite an intimate stage, but still it’d be interesting to see the kind of set experimentation that could emerge to surround the actors.
Alex shares how the older she gets, the more she realises how brief life really is. And this show reminds us how true connection can come in many forms, even between people who seem like they have nothing in common. Heisenberg deals with themes that are universal and makes the passing of time, the briefness and vastness of life, feel a little less lonely.
HEISENBERG
Arcola Theatre
Reviewed on 14th April 2025
by Stephanie Christodoulidou
Photography by Charlie Flint
Previously reviewed at this venue:
CRY-BABY, THE MUSICAL | ★★★★★ | March 2025
THE DOUBLE ACT | ★★★★★ | January 2025
TARANTULA | ★★★★ | January 2025
HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS | ★★★★ | December 2024
DISTANT MEMORIES OF THE NEAR FUTURE | ★★★ | November 2024
THE BAND BACK TOGETHER | ★★★★ | September 2024
MR PUNCH AT THE OPERA | ★★★ | August 2024
FABULOUS CREATURES | ★★★ | May 2024
THE BOOK OF GRACE | ★★★★★ | May 2024
LIFE WITH OSCAR | ★★★ | April 2024
