Review: WILDFIRE ROAD, Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
Photo credit: Helen Murray
Eve Leigh’s new dystopian play Wildfire Road tells the story of what happened when a hijacker got on board an aeroplane. With wildfires raging the earth below, the people on board have to decide what to do. This is a gripping, entertaining and thought-provoking play, if not a little confused at times.
A lot of Leigh’s script is telling rather than showing, but some parts mix both types of dialogue and it can feel a little disjointed. She focuses a lot of time on telling us about the events that unfold onboard, and it is a shame we don’t learn more about some of the characters.
Laura Keefe directs the production. She utilises every style of storytelling possible. Sometimes this works because the more theatrical moments juxtapose to and highlight the real severity of what is happening on earth below the plane. However, at other times, it feels like the production doesn’t have a clear vision. It is well paced but when we get to the end of the play, it doesn’t quite feel like everything is resolved.
Zoe Hurwitz’s set design is really effective, although when the playing space is mainly the aisle of a plane, some scenes do feel a little cramped. Amy Mae’s lighting design is outstanding and really works to show the movement of the plane, whilst Benjamin Grant’s sound design complements this perfectly. Carl Harrison’s movement direction adds some fun theatricality to the production.
The small cast work very hard and each do a fantastic job individually whilst working together well as an ensemble.
Raj Bajaj multiroles as Rohan and Bryn. He brings both characters to life very well, making them distinct individuals. However as we don’t spend lots of time with either character, they may be the people we get to know the least. It’s not entirely clear why one actor was cast to play both roles – it may have helped to have had different actors playing each of these roles.
Zoe West gives a heartfelt and passionate performance as Naomi, whilst Robyn Sinclair is lovely as Ruby. Despite a lack of stage time together, their chemistry palpable and they both have strong singing voices. Siubhan Harrison is great as flight attendant Rina. She also has a powerful singing voice. She gives a wonderfully varied performance, keeping a cool and calm persona whilst also having moments when her walls come crashing down and she can’t remain as professional in the circumstances the character finds herself.
Phoebe Naughton and Mark Weinman complete the cast as Mariella and Dave. They both give wonderfully grounded performances, creating characters who could easily be your next-door neighbour. They have a lovely chemistry and it is a shame they don’t get to unpack this more.
Wildfire Road is a theatrical feast and despite at times becoming a little too theatrical, is thoroughly enjoyable. It raises important and timely questions, whilst not becoming too political and giving the audience space to reach their own conclusions on how we should choose to respond to the world events we see unfolding around us.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush
Wildfire Road plays at Sheffield’s Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse until 18 March, with further information here.