Never Let Me Go
Adapting any beloved work to the stage is always a challenge. It becomes even more daunting when the film adaptation is equally cherished by fans of the source material. Never Let Me Go is an interesting case. I must admit, I was new to this story when I attended its opening night. Given the disappointment of recent Rose Theatre ventures, such as The Glass Menagerie, I went in with low expectations. However, I can confidently say that this production is a tremendous success, delivered with great assurance, skill, and sensitivity.
Set in an eerily near dystopian future, we follow a group of friends raised at a boarding school called Hailsham. They are taught to live ordinary, and most importantly, healthy lives, without aspiring to anything beyond that. The reasons for this become clear as the narrative delves into what it means to be human, possess a soul, and experience life with all its imperfections.
Director Christopher Hayden keeps the staging incredibly simple and grounded. His primary focus is on character, and this shines through brilliantly as he explores the doomed love triangle between Kathy H, Tommy, and Ruth (more on them later). Early sequences depicting the school-like setting of Hailsham are brimming with energy, allowing the audience to settle into a false sense of security.
From a writing perspective, playwright Suzanne Heathcote expertly places Kathy H as our main protagonist, giving the story a "memory play" structure. This is a genius move, as revelations unfold in real-time for the audience. As someone unfamiliar with the story beats, I was as in the dark as the characters themselves, feeling their sorrow, romance, and heartache as they experienced it. This created a truly empathetic experience.
From a performance standpoint, Angus Imrie transcends the potentially awkward trappings of Tommy, delivering a performance filled with pathos and heartbreak. He effortlessly shifts from comic relief to doomed love interest, making his portrayal deeply affecting.
Matilda Bailes also breaks hearts as Ruth, who begins as the stereotypical "mean girl" of the school. She deceptively keeps Tommy and Kathy apart and seems unsympathetic at first. However, Bailes taps into Ruth’s deep-rooted insecurities and vulnerabilities, making us understand her motivations. The conclusion of her character arc is expertly played and truly poignant.
However, the show’s ace card is revealed early on in the star-making performance of Nell Barlow as Kathy H. Leading the production through its lengthy running time, Barlow commands the stage with immense likability and optimism about the world Kathy inhabits. This is beautifully counterbalanced by her portrayal of grief, loneliness, and the desire to connect on a romantic and sexual level. It is a complex role, and Barlow delivers it with remarkable skill. I look forward to seeing more from this talented actor.
If I have any criticisms, it's that, at 90 minutes long, the first act could benefit from some tightening. The early scenes are deliberately confusing, but once the purpose of the narrative is revealed, everything falls into place. From a directorial perspective, Hayden’s work is solid and energetic, but I wished he had allowed more time for the emotional moments to breathe. Tragic scenes occur, but we move on to the next too quickly.
These, however, are minor quibbles in what was a very strong production. It takes a hugely complex story and makes it accessible, funny, and tragic.
This show was reviewed on the 25th September 2024 at the Rose Theatre, Kingston where the show runs until the 12th October 2024. Tickets available here: Never Let Me Go — Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro | Rose Theatre, Kingston, London
Review written by Alex Farley
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning
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