Review: O’ISLAND, Royal Shakespeare Company

Photo credit: The Other Richard

‘Many dictatorships begin with arts and crafts!’ claims Inge, a documentarian, about 45-minutes into the play.

Nina Segal’s O, Island! captivates and carries you far away, and yet it also often feels too close for comfort. The island itself is just off the M25 and is described as a large village or a “very very very small town”. Through a river breaking its banks, it becomes its very own island and here, the story unfolds.  Soon after the flood, Leonard the politician played by the hilarious Alex Bhat tries to convince the townspeople to leave, admittedly for his own benefit. They, however, choose a different path with Margaret, played by the talented Linda Broughton.  And so, the plot thickens.  

Throughout the play you are taken on a political journey. What is seemingly harmless to begin with and ultimately based around having more ducks around the island, becomes nothing short of totalitarianism. During the story, there is a parade in which the characters sing and dance, at first powerfully to a single note played on a concertina, and then turning into comical disco. You begin to get a feeling for the show itself; the people of the town wear large duck heads and it is all rather comical, if a little cult like. When the child of one of the townspeople is found to have left the island however, the mood soon shifts. Rather than sending for a search party, Margaret accuses the child of becoming an ‘outsider’ and refuses to help; despite his mother Vi, played by the captivating Jade Ogugua, fearing he has drowned. A powerful atmosphere is created that very much resonates with current times.

The set created by the wonderful Milla Clarke seems simple at first and yet as the show progresses, it shows us so many possibilities and dimensions, as does the island.  Every inch of the space is used and utilised. The duck theme is subtle at first and becomes more prominent throughout. Towards the end, we even see a heron, suggesting the water levels are once again returning to the way they were.

O, Island! is like nothing you have ever seen. At first a hilarious farce, next a thrilling drama and finally an earnest tale of morality.   A small and captivating cast lead this production, although it is Joe Barber, who plays naïve Laurie, that steals the show. Laurie’s journey throughout the show is heart-breaking and yet enthralling. 

This is a fantastic production of a mesmerising story, it's no wonder it was shortlisted for the George Devine Award in 2020.  For a play which seems so farcical, it has never felt so close to reality.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton

O’Island plays at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon until 5 November, with tickets available here.