The Bush Theatre’s latest show, ‘Heart Wall,’ written by Kit Withington and directed by Katie Greenall has a lively start, as cast members invite the audience to belt out their favourite karaoke tunes. The opening inviting atmosphere takes some unexpected and surprising directions, delivering some thoughtful musings about how family, friends, relationships and grief changes over time. Although at times the dialogue could do with some shaving, as well as some sub plots, the cast performances and steady flow of revelations make for a relatable piece.
Much of the action takes place in local pub, ‘The Sun Inn,’ and Hazel Low’s set is detailed and familiar – I’m sure everyone in the audience has frequented that exact pub. As well as the pub, the show is anchored around Franky (Rowan Robinson) who returns home for the first time after a long absence. There is plenty of humour as characters highlight the north and south divide – something Franky feels keenly on this visit. This is something I found particularly relatable, as most people go away from home at some point, and find that when they return, they have changed, as well as the home that they left behind.
As a result, different characters remember the past differently, and it is these gaps that creates the many incidences of tension within the play, and several mini revelations that keep you intrigued and drive the play forward. All the characters feel complex and real, and the cast put in performances that are confident and engaging. The audience was very willing to go on the journey with them.
However, the dialogue could do with some trimming, and some plot threads don’t really go anywhere. Although the ending is poignant, the journey meanders at times, and for me, the plays initial focus on how worlds change over time had a stronger foundation than some of the later, smaller subplots. As a result, we never quite get to the bottom of things, until it’s too late, or see what Franky seems to be running from in London, which kind of undermines her persistence in wanting to stay before she realises anything is wrong at home.
That said, the casts performances, Low’s set and the use of karaoke make for an enjoyable evening.
3/5
Thanks for reading!
Photography by Harry Elletson
‘Heart Wall’ is playing at the Bush Theatre until May 16th!
Tickets here: https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/event/heart-wall/
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