Far Away, Donmar Warehouse - ★★★ - Until April 4, 2020


Caryl Churchill's short one act play Far Away is beautifully staged and performed, but it leaves one ultimately dissatisfied. It is like an appetiser which whets the appetite but is not followed by a meal. The atmosphere is wonderfully created and the audience is immediately intrigued by what a young girl staying with her uncle and aunt has seen in the middle of the night. All the sense of impending horror that we usually associate with a Stephen King novel is set up. Then, we enter into another zone which is more reminiscent of George Orwell's post-apocalyptic vision. Our curiosity and apprehension is turned towards the premises and predictions involved in this strange dystopian future. It does all come together as we see that it is the very harmony of nature that has been undermined, but still the lack of character development and the rather thin plot make this seem less a play than an animated concept. Aisling Loftus and Simon Manyonda work well together as Joan and Todd while Jessica Hynes is totally believable as Harper, the aunt with a secret. Their performances were a wonderful naturalistic counterpoint to the narrative. We saw Sophia Ally as the young Joan and were quite amazed by the maturity of her performance. Lyndsey Turner's direction was solid and Lizzie Clachan's set beautifully reflected the box of conundrums being opened. The high production standards of Donmar Warehouse continue to elevate all the work they do.

 Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Johan Persson.
 Our Score:  ☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until April 4, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Thu & Sat: 2:30 pm
Donmar Warehouse
Nearest tube: Covent Garden
https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/production/7419/far-away/
Map & Location: 41 Earlham St, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LX, UK

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