‘ A play about love at first sight and the power of human connection; inspired by my life, this is the story I had to tell to get the feelings out of my system and into the world.’ Gabriela Godinho-Moxon
What could be a more romantic, surprise encounter. In Amsterdam Alex meets Oscar at the wedding of a mutual friend, and through furtive glances, a tentative smile, we can see they are attracted to each other. But Oscar has a girlfriend, so how will this complicated scenario unravel?
Never Over Theatre creates drama which taps into ‘the messy, beautiful realities of life, the grey areas within our black and whites’. As a clever theatrical device like a stage adaptation of a novella, extracts from the voice of the narrator are shown on screen.
The setting moves between Amsterdam, Copenhagen and London in three short acts, vividly illustrated by evocative cityscape sketches. A superb soundtrack also carries the story along through song such as Bon Iver’s 'Short Story'.
‘Time heals, and then it repeats
You will never be complete
And the strain and thirst are sweet
You have not yet gone too deep.’
Everyone has been there - falling in and out of love, betrayed, broken hearted. The swirling mixed emotions, the flutter in the gut, fear of rejection. Alex’s friends – Michael (just back from his honeymoon), Davi and Sal, are concerned that she is not acting on her feelings for Oscar. Does she want a relationship, or as we hear Amy Winehouse ask, ‘When will we get the time to be just, just friends?
Centre stage, Alex is portrayed with quiet conviction and cool composure by Gabriela Godinho-Moxon. Simply captivating to observe her every gesture, facial expression like a freeze frame in a movie – unsurprising that she trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles. The American technique of Method acting stresses sincere emotion, understanding and identifying with the character. In the role of Oscar (named after Oscar Wilde), Harry Legget is a gentle soul, emotionally undemonstrative but able to show his private feelings through a charismatic grin which lights up his face.
And so we follow the familiar narrative of a sliding doors opportunity of fate when you might meet your soulmate by chance or coincidence. Moxon shows such maturity in literary language and natural dialogue while direction is spot on; languid, almost in slow motion, allowing time for the conversation to pause, a silent moment. The Pinter-esque knack of allowing drama to breathe. When Alex and Oscar hold a lingering look, this recalls the final scene in ‘Betrayal’ at the start of the affair.
A snatch from ‘Intros and narrators’ by Bastille, ‘Take a walk with me through these lives’, as we are taken on a journey of snapshot scenarios of this close knit group of friends.
Blending literary, musical and dramatic vision, 'Everything & Nothing' is a delicious rom com – 'Brief Encounter' in a minimalist mash up with 'Serendipity' with an evocative soundtrack and cinematic staging. In slick, stylish manner, the entire cast relate this immersive dramatic tale with such sensitive, genuine emotion. An intimate, lyrical love story, brought poetically to life on stage which will touch your heart.
Showtimes:
11 - 15 August @ 14.15
Ticket price: £12, £10 (Concessions/Family)
Age: 12+
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/everything-and-nothing