Review: THE FALL, Original Theatre Online

Photo credit: Tom Grace

The Fall, written by Drew Hewitt and directed by Charlotte Peters, is one of the winners of Original Theatre Company’s Originals Playwriting Award, and stars Alex Kingston, Tyger Drew-Honey, Sara Stewart and Adrian Lukis.

Janet and Liam are happily married, until that is, she stops talking to him, actually she stops talking completely. She begins seeing a psychiatrist in an attempt to find a diagnosis. What secrets are buried deep in Janet’s psyche? What will the revelation mean for her family? Will she share her secret or simply remain mute? How much of our lives are free will and how much is already mapped out for us?

Stewart and Lukis play the married couple. There are moments of sincere caring between them versus moments where you’re not entirely sure if they like each other. The writing gives these characters good depth and remains intriguing for the audience. Kingston, as the psychiatrist, is a steady existence within the storm of Janet’s hidden trauma.

It’s a strong cast all round with clear relationships between all, keeping the audience drawn in to the performance.

The Fall deals with a serious topic, using just the right amount of humour and remaining balanced.

A story of love, pain and truthful consequence.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Fall is available to stream on demand here until 28 February 2023.