Review: LAST EASTER, Orange Tree Theatre (Livestream)

A lighting designer, an actress, a prop maker and a drag singer go on a pilgrimage looking for a miracle…. sounds like the beginning of a joke doesn’t it?  

It is, in fact, the basis for Bryony Lavery’s play Last Easter, currently playing at The Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.

When June (the lighting designer) is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, her three closest friends, Leah (the prop maker), Gash (the drag singer) and Joy (the actress), decide that the only thing to do is to go to Lourdes and find a miracle.

But miracles come in many different forms.

The conversation between characters is very natural, even when dealing with controversial topics.  There is, in particular, a good chemistry between Gash, played by Peter Caulfield and Leah, played by Jodie Jacobs, who share bad jokes and sing along’s with each other when they know the other one needs a boost.

Directed by Tinuke Craig, only basic set and props are used to keep the focus on dialogue and storytelling. There is nothing to distract the audience from the action, switching between playing out the story and the narration, it is easy to become absorbed in the characters and their struggles.

Last Easter is meaningful and thought provoking.  It teaches us that true friendship and humour can get us through even the toughest situations, even if the outcome is not the miracle we were looking for.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Last Easter plays until 7 August. To book tickets, please click here.