Simon Stephens' play is an amusing riff on the famous uncertainty principle enunciated by German physicist and Nobel laureate Werner Heisenberg in 1927. In this instance the particle in question which eludes the calculation of its speed and location at the same time is Georgie and her developing relationship with Alex. When the lovable, loony Georgie randomly plants a kiss on the back of the neck of staid butcher, Alex, and for no apparent reason pursues a relationship with the woman who is several years her senior, what follows is an amusing dance of wit and self-revelation that is utterly charming. As the relationship forms between this unlikely couple, one can't help but think of the outstanding 1971 film, Harold and Maude, which also presented an intergenerational relationship. Somewhat unfortunately in this case, however, playwright Stephens falls into the tired cliché of presenting intergenerational relationships as exploitative (perhaps from the need to create "drama"). Either the older member of the couple is predatory, or the younger is mercenary. Indeed, sometimes it seems that these relationships are the last minority group where such stereotyping is considered acceptable. It is a shame that after the formulaic moment of dramatic revelation, the play never really recaptures its spark. Despite the clever casting of all this in the context of Heisenberg's theory of uncertainty, the sweetness and whimsy that preceded the turning point seem tainted, and our perspective on the interactions that follow are equally coloured. Nevertheless, Faline England as Georgie and Jenny Galloway as Alex put in terrific performances. As two apparently lonely souls who are awkwardly groping towards a relationship, both performances ring completely true. Plus, England succeeds at the difficult task of making her capriciousness endearing, rather than simply alarming. With a very basic set, comprised of only two chairs, the actors also manage to take us into a train station, a restaurant and a bedroom. The power of their personifications and the credible dynamic between them wonderfully grips the audience's imagination. Heisenberg is worth seeing for these two outstanding performances, even if its early delightful uncertainty, finally falls into a rather regrettable predictability.
Rated: ★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Charlie Flint
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