'What do you want me to say? That the world's ending? Would that be helpful?'
In difficult and challenging times people are becoming frazzled.
No, literally frazzled, as in struck by lightning. The number of supercell storms is increasing, and the rain is becoming biblical. Standing against the onslaught are two soggy monk-like figures, staring up at the ropes of the church bells hanging above them and wondering how long they have. Tradition from the Middle Ages holds that the ringing of the bells can dissipate lighting storms, driving out their demonic source. Holding onto wet ropes can be a death knell.
While they track the storms the landscape is reduced to the surrounding communities, the small parishes and the nearest spires. This is uncharted territory, a challenge peculiar to the generation, and they can only hope that it will pass or lessen and, in the meantime, do what they can for people who rely on them.
In the end, or perhaps in the middle of times like these people turn to religion, praying for hope, succour, protection or deliverance. Perhaps they are being tested or even punished, as the omens and portents are not looking good even if the almanac offers answers. There have been rains of fish, two-headed lambs and then there is the ever-encroaching mycelium of mushrooms. It’s hard to reconcile a faith in the scientific mixed with angels.
As they ponder on the existential threats, they digress to think on the people they have lost and the nature of hope, belief, obligation, friendship and love.
Not completely linear and somewhat absurdist (with a hint of Beckett) this tragicomic play is beautifully written allowing excellent performances from the wide-eyed, intense and preyed-upon Clement (played by Rollason) and the more pragmatic Aspinall (Adeyefa).
Strong design elements and production values assist, as does the tent like Roundabout venue. Comparisons to reactions to pandemic strictures and dangers can naturally be drawn giving it added relevance.
It’s an unusual piece which while initially feeling a little unfocussed builds into something that rings as really rather lovely.
Show Times: 1 to 26 August (not 6, 13, 20) at 1.15pm.
Tickets: £16 - £17 (£14.50).
Suitability: 12+