Review: RAIN AND ZOE SAVE THE WORLD, Jermyn Street Theatre

Photo credit: Alistair Muir

Crystal Skillman’s Rain and Zoe Save the World packs a punch. Funny, moving, and underscored with poignant music by multi-award-winning composer Bobby Cronin, this American duo have created a piece of theatre that’s full of heart whilst delivering an important ethical message. 

We follow two West Coast teenagers as they embark on a wild motorcycle ride across America from Washington State to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their goal is to join a protest against a huge oil refinery. Along the way, they discover the truth about each other, about their own parents, and about the costs of standing up for what you believe in, even if the consequences terrify you. 

Jermyn Street Theatre’s stage is fantastically utilised by the cast. Whilst the set is relatively sparse, a revolve is added for the show (we can’t recall seeing one before) and really added to the storytelling. Not only did it really conjure a feeling of travelling but its use creates touching moments between characters. A particularly beautiful moment comes between Zoe and her mum, meeting for the first time in years. The use of the revolve really conveys the chasm between them and adds a whole new layer of emotion to the narrative. 

With a sparse set, the focus lies heavily on the actors and the ensemble of four definitely rise to the challenge. The chemistry between Rain (Jordan Benjamin) and Zoe (Mei Henri) takes some time to warm up but by the end of Act One, their friendship has become moving and completely relatable (we all have that friend we would move mountains for). The pair really shines in Act 2 with Henri’s performance really capturing the struggles of a teenager trying to find their place in the world. Brief snatches of Bobby Cronin’s beautiful acoustic compositions really showcases Benjamin’s stunning vocals. 

Richard Holt’s performance is a masterclass in multi-roling. Using costume and a variety of accents, he transitions from concerned father to IT geek to Mid-Western bartender seamlessly. Perhaps most notable is his performance as a frog – a moment of humour that later transforms into something dark, sincere, and poignant. Salma Shaw’s performance as the moon is reminiscent of Jeanine Tesori and Tony Kushner’s Caroline, or Change but on this smaller scale, the fairy lit costume and ukulele gives the character bundles of charm. 

Whilst the ensemble characters’ multi-roling is funny, engaging, and facilitates the numerous encounters an adventure brings, the narrative therefore feels slightly unfocused at times. The parallel themes of environmental ethics and single parenthood intertwined, but it sometimes feels like the relationship between Rain and his Dad could be a short play in itself! As they discovered more about themselves and their parents, bones of contention and passionate outbursts from the main characters sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. Although Henri and Benjamin’s performances shine with emotional integrity and real gutsiness, the narrative could perhaps benefit from segueing between these emotional highs more freely. 

That being said, the production impressively uses both technology and performance to develop the story and human relationships within the piece. Most notably, a graphic novel is played out on the wall and performed at the same time in a clever and articulate piece of character development. The cast’s physical skill is clear to see as they cleverly create a motorbike that moves so believably using just the four actors and props. Credit must be given to Movement Director Jasmine Ricketts for drawing out the best of this cast in their physicality.

Sound (Bobby Cronin) and lighting (Pablo Fernandez Baz) elevates the piece, transforming the staid theatre space. Specific lighting states act like leitmotifs for certain characters, helping to give the multi-roling clarity. Praise must also be given to the beautiful music of Bobby Cronin. Segueing from moving strings and piano into rockier vibes keeps us engaged with the rapidly changing intentions of the characters on their turbulent journeys (both towards the protest and towards better understanding themselves). 

Rain and Zoe Save the World conveys a crucial message in a truly engaging and entertaining way. Although it could benefit from some narrative streamlining and perhaps focusing more on the climate change debate, it’s a fantastic production that showcases excellent physical theatre, multi-roling and an impressive use of multimedia.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Eliza Harris

Don’t miss this talented cast, playing at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 12 March 2022.