When Oscar disappears, his parents and sisters are frantic. Nick Payne’s latest play explores how a family copes with uncertainty, loss, and the threat of evil. The missing child becomes a catalyst that forces the characters to confront these fears, but Oscar’s absence ultimately symbolises the mysteries of existence that everyone must face. How do we reconcile ourselves to uncertainty and the unknown? Oscar’s sister Nancy turns to spiritualism. His sister Margaret finds comfort in motherhood, and the boy's father David seeks closure through a memorial service. However, Oscar's mother, Miriam, clings desperately to the hope that he will return. Once reliant on alcohol for comfort, Miriam now finds refuge in the conviction that her son is still alive. Nicola Walker gives a powerful portrayal of guilt and grief’s corrosive force, showing a woman whose obsessive faith threatens her remaining relationships. Her pain is palpable as she holds on to the belief that gives her life meaning while viciously undermining the coping mechanisms of those around her. The audience is torn between empathy for her suffering and sympathy for those closest to her. Despite strong performances from the entire cast, Payne’s decision to employ the popular contemporary convention of telling the story in a non-linear structure is confusing and it weakens the emotional connection with the family’s struggle. However, setting aside this distraction and the two-dimensional nature of the characters of Lorraine and Benjamin, The Unbelievers remains a compelling work. It addresses universal themes and features an unforgettable performance by Nicola Walker.
Rated: ★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Photo © Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
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