‘Wings’ is a surprisingly touching, hilarious and, at times, surreal piece of theatre. Performed at The New Adelphi Theatre in Salford, this 60 minute production by Happenchance Theatre is set in the ‘wings’ of a relationship. This two-hander is centred on a young couple in love; both comedians - not both successful. Interspersed between scenes from Eva’s (Vita Fox) stand-up set about her failing relationship with James (Jacob Lovick) and their memories from the past, this production had me roaring with laughter one minute and close to heartbreak the next.
The first thing to note is the stand-up set. Beginning the play, the writing is bitingly clever and bizarre at times, with rants about apples full of lies and how it proves as evidence that her boyfriend is cheating on her. This stand-up routine could stand alone outside of this play, Fox’s delivery was well done and the raucous laughter from the audience spoke for itself.
Though at times fractionally slow in pace, the moments of stillness are welcome during this fast paced and playful piece. Fox’s and Lovick’s energy inject the space when interacting with each other. Tense, uncomfortable, but heart-warming at times, these flashbacks serve more than to push the narrative that their relationship is doomed. Much more akin to an improv set than a scripted piece, the characters burst into full-blown recreations of film references, with added embellishments. An insight into James’ world as sitcom writer for a failing TV show, in these moments we are catapulted into the wacky mind of the writer.
The balance between comedy and heartbreak is handled delicately. With profound, deeply cutting lines such as “what do you do when the thing that brought you together isn’t there anymore?” compared to a 4 minute set on how a bull in a china shop didn’t get there by himself, this skill made way for a deeper fall when catastrophe hits.
‘Wings’ serves as more than just a comedy show. Allowing a necessary conversation about masculinity, female roles in the performing industry, and the inevitable sacrifices we make in relationships, this production is very current and essential. This is explored playfully and easily through richly dynamic characters and effortlessly relatable scenarios. The sense of the characters’ belonging is captivating and through their story you begin to explore your own. Drawing parallels between my own situation and theirs, I was confronted by my own character and deeply connected to theirs.
Overall, a refreshing, thoroughly enjoyable evening. A must see if it returns to Manchester.
Reviewer - Jasmine Tovey
on - 9/11/18
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