THEATRE REVIEW: In Other Words ★★★★

When we first reviewed Matthew Seager's In Other Words back in 2019 (you can read our review here), we described the production as 'uplifting piece of theatre', that follows the short, yet painful downward decline of Alzheimers, whetherbthat was living with the disease, or caring for a close one. Now in 2023, four years after our first experience, it can be argued that the subject matter hits more poignantly with the lack of contact we've had with loved ones, especially during COVID, so there's a beautiful lull that falls upon the show this time around that grounds us, and allows our minds to sit with memories of those we may have lost to the disease.

With Matthew Seager acting as Writer, Producer, and Actor in his own piece, his acute attention to detail and research in the role of Arthur is admirable; he manages to tip the scales of what is possible to achieve in a theatrical setting without making it feel too theatrical and ridiculous, but instead bringing a gentleness, which is still heartbreaking, but is softened by the nuanced touches he provides in his movement. Lianne Harvey performs alongside as Jane with a softer personality and tone, that whilst at times doesn't hit the emotional range that define some powerful scenes, Harvey still blends well with Seager's playful responses, in moments of the show where Lida Aino's Sound Design comes into play.

With the simplest touches of set design from Bethany Wells and Paul Britherston, that help centre the piece with two armchairs, a standing lamp, and a soft cream rug, it helps us look into this beautiful setting with a warm hug, especially when Will Alder's lighting switches us between the intense nature of the script, juxtaposed with an open space that allows the actors to come out of the experience and talk with us as an audience.

With a short rural tour following this London run, audiences awide will experience a show that feels like a warm hug, whilst also breaking your heart in two due to the close natured chemistry between the two leads.