• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

Tomorrow at the Arts Theatre

March 7, 2016 by Alex Wood Leave a Comment

Review of: Tomorrow at the Arts Theatre
Produced by:
WhistleStop Theatre
Price:
£15 / £12

Reviewed by: Alex Wood
Rating:
4
On March 7, 2016
Last modified:March 7, 2016

Summary:

Tomorrow was a fantastic piece to find itself housed in the centre of London, and a marvellous piece of theatre from WhistleStop.

More Details

Emerging into the upstairs room of the Arts Theatre London, my 22-year old self was confronted by a familiar sight – a motley collection of chairs, a solitary speaker system, an underwhelming platter of crisps, and an assembled table of various alcoholic beverages. It was a typical twenty-something party setting – the audience stood around awkwardly, unsure of where to sit or how to react. The authenticity was bewildering.

In spite of this familiarity, what Tomorrow achieved so marvellously was taking this authenticity and slowly warping it into a fantastical and intensely powerful narrative. 5 characters are assembled in a single flat as they await a new dawn, the titular ‘tomorrow’, which is reported to bring with it a fresh start and opportunity – a ‘utopia’. The power of this ‘utopia’ lies in its ambiguity – we never know specifically how it will manifest itself or what impact it will have on the characters themselves (apart from the fact that, apparently, David Cameron has suddenly passed away) – all we know is that nothing will be the same again. It is a compelling narrative and thematic choice; one that bristles with energy and keeps the performance compelling for its 70 minute runtime.

Screen Shot 2016-03-07 at 23.01.12This concept of a ‘utopia’ and a ‘new start’ seemed all the more important when grounded in a London setting of Elephant and Castle – an area constantly promised with a fresh start and renovation. If the play was intended to act as a commentary on the redevelopment programme and the ensuing housing crisis of the capital, it worked magnificently – these five characters were wondering how they might survive in this new utopia or if, judging by their personality, whether or not they’d even exist come ‘tomorrow’. This subtext was a fantastic addition to the play, layering every action with symbolism and significance.

A few standout actors deserve special mention for the performances. Niall McNamee’s Billy and Aaron Gordon’s Clive provided a brilliantly comedic and empathetic opening scene that really laid the groundwork for the increasingly surreal episode that followed, and in a way the show pivoted around their relationships with ‘tomorrow’. At the same time, credit must go to director Rebecca Hewett for creating a fluidity of movement and understated naturalism that made Tomorrow so pertinent and its characters so accessible. The choice of a very natural and immersive set felt equally appropriate – when characters hammered on the room’s doors we too felt we were being intruded upon by unseen forces.

There were a few quibbles – the ending felt somewhat hurried (though the ambiguity it created was entirely earned and left me yearning for more) and the character of Lisa and her relationship with her absent son felt criminally underwritten, but as it stood Tomorrow was a fantastic piece to find itself housed in the centre of London. It was fundamentally a textured canvas onto which audience members (myself included) could lace meaning and intricacy, but it pulled off something tightly wrought and completely absorbing. If you are in central London and looking for something to see, Tomorrow would be a safe bet on a marvellous hour of theatre.

Performances: March 7th – 12th at 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 / £12 Equity, OAP, jobseekers and student concessions

Photo: whistlestop

Author: Alex WoodAlex is the former reviews editor at Theatre Bubble, but since changing position now contributes occasionally. He has been writing reviews for a number of years, as well as seeing his own shows performed. He has produced and marketed a number of performances at venues in London, Oxford, Edinburgh, including the world premiere of Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke.

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Aaron Gordon, arts, London, Niall McNamee, performance, tomorrow, west end, whistlestop

Join the discussion Cancel reply

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 

From New Perspectives, The Swearing Jar is a comedy about love, heartbreak, living with the past and accepting the future. We spoke to director Angharad [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Unleash The Llama talks Five Years With The White Man

We spoke to the creators of Five Years With The White Man about the upcoming show coming to VAULT Festival [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Complicité's A Minute Too Late at the National Theatre
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • Jane Eyre at the National Theatre
  • Crowdfunding In Theatre - An Overview
  • The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding
  • Star-Studded Billing Announced for National Youth Theatre's Anniversary Gala
  • Alex Wood
    Contributor

  • March 7th, 2016
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook40TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!