Review: CLOSER, Lyric Hammersmith

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Patrick Marber’s Closer falls short in its attempt to explore the intricacies of relationships and love. For a play that is titled Closer, it lacks intimacy and depth in its attempted exploration of what it is to love and to be loved. The writing sometimes strikes as cliched with recurring simplistic platitudes which sound a little unnatural when spoken out loud, with contrived pauses between most lines. 

The play follows the relationships of four characters whose lives interweave amidst their infidelity. The cast are very capable actors, however the chemistry between characters flickers in and out. Ella Hunt stands out in her performance of Alice, a vulnerable woman of 24 who we learn works as a stripper, is orphaned and has somewhat of a dark past. Her character seems to be the only one whose hopeless love for Dan Woolf (played convincingly by Jack Farthing) is believable as she is genuinely at his mercy and dependent on his support, one can believe both emotionally and financially. The characters overall, however, are highly unlikable in their actions of deceit and dependence. 

Clare Lizzimore’s direction seems a little confused. The writing and staging is mostly naturalistic, yet there are randomly placed interludes of song where Ella Hunt as Alice breaks into heart felt solos. Her voice is beautiful, however we are left unsure as to what purpose these moments serve. 

Musicians are a part of the action on stage, taking up half of the playing area and are visible throughout the show. Musicians Arun Ghosh (also Musical Director) and Radhika Aggarwal are certainly talented and although the directorial decision to have them visible on stage for a piece that seems to lean towards naturalism in its cinematic  form could be questioned, the musical score does add to the atmosphere of the show.

Occasionally chorus members emerge from what seems to be the same area as the band and begin to form ensemble performers in the background of scenes, which is rather distracting and doesn’t really add anything to the action on stage. When a chorus member dances in slow motion in the background of the strip club scene, this seems out of place and unnecessary. 

Elliot Smith’s lighting also deserves a mention as it is atmospheric and creates a strong depiction of the strip club in the second act with harsh neon blue and purple tones. Stark and darkly lit scenes are effective in creating an unnerving tone that underscores many of the dualogues.

The play presents an uninspiring and bleak portrayal of relationships with no catharsis or redemption. If it attempts to communicate anything profound in its subject matter, it mostly delivers an entertaining soap opera-esque narrative following the failed love lives of four characters who use each other out of insecurity and loneliness. Whilst it fell short of expectations, the performers are excellent and manage to grip audience’s attention despite the text’s limitations. 

** Two stars

Reviewed by: Viv Williams

Closer plays at Lyric Hammersmith until 13 August, with tickets available here.