We first meet therapist Sebastian (Roger Parkins) in his counselling room, whereupon he instantly strides to the sting of the stage and addresses the viewers immediately, breaking the fourth wall. It’s an brisk begin to the piece and one which facilitates a heat and co-dependency with the viewers who, in impact, turn into his therapist. Sebastian is humorous and interesting however there’s a quiet unhappiness to his character. He’s very passionate about his girlfriend for instance, however there’s one thing concerning the relationship that doesn’t ring true. Designer Sorcha Corcoran has created a set that in the primary is a straightforward,…
Rating
Good
Using an brisk, humorous mixture of music and drama, Let’s Pause Here thoughtfully engages with the viewers to show the hidden nature of trauma, and is a reminder of the fact of broken psychological well being hidden in plain sight.
We first meet therapist Sebastian (Roger Parkins) in his counselling room, whereupon he instantly strides to the sting of the stage and addresses the viewers immediately, breaking the fourth wall. It’s an brisk begin to the piece and one which facilitates a heat and co-dependency with the viewers who, in impact, turn into his therapist. Sebastian is humorous and interesting however there’s a quiet unhappiness to his character. He’s very passionate about his girlfriend for instance, however there’s one thing concerning the relationship that doesn’t ring true.
Designer Sorcha Corcoran has created a set that in the primary is a straightforward, useful counselling room (full with the ever present home plant), however it’s one that may remodel right into a practice carriage or elevate as required by the plot with assistance from efficient lighting and sound. Both understated and complementary, it feels excellent for this present.
The first half is darkly humorous and dynamic because the motion strikes between Sebastian’s periods along with his sufferers and his interactions along with his ex-wife Roberta, performed outstandingly hilariously by Nieve Hearity. She concurrently criticises him and presents disparaging remarks about his weight, look and sexual prowess, while vocalising her usually racist opinions. Loudly and aggressively. But then she wants him to assist her in her hospital go to and wonders why they don’t attempt once more as a pair.
The remedy periods between Sebastian’s purchasers usually happen concurrently, with the dialogue flowing seamlessly throughout a silent and annoyed Sebastian who sits within the center, structurally illustrating each his helplessness and the repetitive, nearly tedious, nature of the problems arising. At factors, Sebastian’s thoughts begins to wander, which turns into a immediate for nearly Brechtian musical interludes carried out by the remainder of the solid. These are fully sudden and chuckle out loud humorous. There is, nonetheless, undoubtedly one too many of those skits, the final one being surplus to necessities. That apart, the construction of the piece is rather well thought by way of. Too a lot critical remedy would turn into overwhelming, however this stability of supply mechanisms, humour and music not solely carry sharp aid, it emphasises the isolation that Sebastian experiences.
The temper of the piece adjustments dramatically within the second half. Serious and shocking revelations are made by the counselees, serving to remind us of the character of trauma and the way nicely it may be hidden, after which the reality of Sebastian’s relationship along with his “girlfriend” is disclosed. Suddenly the humour has gone and nervousness replaces it. No spoilers right here, however fortunately the ending shouldn’t be the one I used to be apprehensive it was going to be.
All of the characters on this play are clichés, which at occasions can really feel amateurish, however regardless of that, or due to it, it really works. It is just too straightforward to dismiss their psychological well being considerations as hypochondriasis; that’s a mistake. It can also be too straightforward to overlook concerning the position of the counsellor themselves. Who takes care of their psychological well being? In a drama that performs with the idea of actuality and perception it’s obvious how straightforward it’s to disguise true trauma. Congratulations to Parkins as nicely. All characters are nicely performed however it’s his relationship with the viewers that carries this piece.
Written by: Russell Obeney and Andre Guindisson
Directed by: Ella Murdoch
Design by: Sorcha Corcoran
Let’s Pause There performs at OSO Arts Centre till 5 March 2023. Further data and bookings might be discovered right here.