As a theatre reviewer heading to the theatre on a Friday night (I should have seen this on Weds but an Arsenal home game scuppered travel plans), reading that one of the characters in Tell Me You’ll Think About It is a ” jaded theatre reviewer” captures my interest.
That reviewer is Phoebe, loud, difficult, and formerly a drama school student. She lives with David, a thoughtful footie fan who is her plus one of choice but who has a question he wants her to think about.
Hence the title, which is not about theatre reviewing at all as the pair’s difference of opinion about the play they have just seen heads into more personal territory. The stage is rather bare, with a couple of places to sit, a lamp, and a bottle of wine the only props.
Lighting does most of the work, and Lyndsey Ruiz’s play, in which Ruiz (playing an actor turned writer while being both in life) and Boyan Petrov are directed by Sarah Majland, offers strong physical and vocal performances throughout and an excellent use of this venue’s space.
I felt at times that Phoebe and David sounded more like they were in a tryout for a play than a real relationship, something partly addressed by the ending but leaving a huge plot hole in our expectation.
Tell Me You’ll Think About It has lots to offer, but thrives on the chemistry between its players rather than a cohesive narrative. After all, we are seeing one night out of context. We see how this pair interact together and hear how they met; flinch at their casual cruelties and become invested in them.
The notion of living to achieve something (whether fame, parenthood, or travel) is clearly something to which both Phoebe and David aspire, but can they compromise without tearing each other apart?
If I have two takeaways from this, it will be the quote ‘a raisin with fish tattoos” (I paraphrase) and the idea that some critics set out to tear down the work they can’t do themselves. The first made me laugh, the second raised a wry smile.
Theatre company Quid Pro Co continue to explore texts that intrigue, shock and challenge audiences. Tell Me You’ll Think About It is a strong, well-paced piece of drama with flashes of humour.
Tell Me You’ll Think About It has now closed but you can find out more about Quid Pro Co here.
3.5 stars.
Header image credit: Sarah Majland