Review: HELIUM, Grumble Pup Theatre (Livestream)
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Helium is not an easy play to watch. It's certainly not for the faint-hearted; the show tackles domestic abuse, depression and suicide in an up-front and provocative way. As such, it is a challenging piece that demands a considerable amount from its audience. And yet, it’s also highly rewarding for those willing to stick with it.
We begin with Ben and Chloe (Steven Nguyen and Elspeth Goodman), a pair of friends who work in a party supply shop. The arrival of Judith (Sara Dee), one of their "regulars," starts to bring all kinds of uncomfortable secrets up to the surface. The cynical, laconic Chloe has a lot of the best lines - she's the so-called "poetic depressive." Ben is clearly a man with a dark past, which is hinted at through heavily oblique and allusive dialogue. But the presence of Judith is a mystery; what exactly does she want with all those canisters of helium?
Then all at once, the scene shifts to a domestic setting, and we meet Kate and David (Mollie McManus and Thomas Sparrow), who have the appearance of a deeply dissatisfied couple. But as the narrative progresses, we begin to realise that all is not as it seems. The play unfolds as a sequence of poignant, interconnected scenes. It alternates between the two settings in a manner reminiscent of sweeping ensemble pieces like Magnolia or Short Cuts, where the intimate connections between seemingly disparate characters are revealed gradually.
The cast give five measured, naturalistic performances- it's clear that they have worked hard to bring out the nuances of these secretive individuals. Fortunately, the unobtrusive sound and set design really give them the opportunity to shine.
Ultimately, Helium is a play about moral ambiguities. It examines the brave faces we put on things, as well as grief, depression and finding that indefinable "something" that is missing from our lives. But overall, it is a redemptive experience, which offers a sophisticated and sensitive handling of deeply profound subject matter. Life, death, bereavement, happiness and everything in between.
The relentless bleakness can be heavy-going at times, but Helium is worth sticking with. It’s a thought-provoking, well-acted play that will remain with you long after the curtain falls.
**** Four Stars
Reviewed by: Tom Mead
Helium plays at The Space, London until Saturday 10 July. To book tickets, please click here.