How would you live your life if you knew exactly how it ended? Perhaps best known as the 2010 film starring Carey Mulligan, Never Let Me Go started life as a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro. The book was recently ranked 9th in the New York Times list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. So the timing couldn’t be better for the Rose Theatre’s adaptation of this beloved science fiction novel.

The story takes place in an alternative reality of 1980s and 90s England where human cloning and organ donation is commonplace. Our protagonist Kathy is a carer for these donors, including her friends Ruth and Tommy. As she reflects on her childhood at boarding school, Hailsham, we learn about the dark reality of the predetermined lives of these clones. The title comes from a fictional song on a cassette tape which Kathy covets throughout the story; but in this reflective dystopian tale where death is omnipresent, it is also a keen reminder of the value of letting go of the past and clinging onto what is important.

Ahead of seeing the play, we wondered what a stage adaptation could add to the story of Never Let Me Go. But Suzanne Heathcote’s adaption is as gripping as ever and the immediate, intimate nature of theatre really allows the raw emotion of love and loss to shine. Never Let Me Go follows a nonlinear timeline but Christopher Haydon’s direction paired with Joshua Carr’s lighting design means that we are never confused. The addition of character Phillip (Maximus Evans) in the first half facilitates Kathy’s reflection on her upbringing without the use of a voiceover, typically used in film or the internal monologue of a novel. It also works to contrast the comparatively idyllic upbringing of our three leads against Phillip’s state-owned childhood.

The show is led by Nell Barlow as Kathy. She hardly leaves the stage and her effervescent energy is utterly captivating. Kathy’s positivity and acceptance contrasts with Ruth’s self-consciousness and anger at her situation. In her later years, Ruth’s resentment becomes regret and Matilda Bailes wonderfully captures her yearning for possibility but also for her life to be over. Tommy, played by Angus Imrie, sits in the middle. He is spirited and sensitive, and Imrie gives a nuanced performance to match.

Never Let Me Go discusses whether the clones have souls and like their characters, the whole cast pour their hearts into this deeply human story...there were definitely tears shed in the second act. With the exception of our lead trio, the cast multi-role throughout which is made even more complex by the nature of the story which spans the years from child to adulthood. However, as the cast jump from the naivety of youth to the darkness of the later years in a second, their changing physicality and vocal pitch are excellent.

The transition of a story from page to stage can be incredibly exposing. Without your own imagination or the polished sets of a film to hide behind, a strong script is essential. There are a few moments which feel forced or not fully explained and the direction occasionally a little static but the sentiment is never in doubt and the production is incredibly engaging. There are multiple callbacks such as the cassette tape, lost property being referred to as ‘Norfolk’ and childhood drawings which were perhaps referenced too often but successfully tie the timelines together. Art features heavily in the story and the production is stunningly staged. The set designed by Tom Piper consists of a backdrop of doors which transport us from Hailsham to hospitals with ease. The costumes are clearly second hand which demonstrates the excellent attention to detail afforded to the whole production.

Never Let Me Go is a heartbreaking production that is sure to make you think about what it means to be human.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Luck

Never Let Me Go plays at Rose Theatre kingston until 12 October, with further info here.