PLAY REVIEW: Bobby and Amy ★★★★★

Emily Jenkins’ 2019 Fringe First retrospective look at the 2001 Foot and Mouth pandemic is given a fresh lease of energy with Claire Evans’ direction, which sees a powerhouse performance from Geebs Marie Williams as Amy, and a softer, more organic portrayal of Bobby from Gwithian Evans.

Through the eyes of the two teens, we can a whole collective mix of the characters in their village and how the impact of one very important catalyst forces the town to stand their ground as devastation rips through their relationships. In this 75 minute production, both Williams and Evans soar in their multi-rolling that at times you simply want to applaud at the sheer energy they are throwing at us; at moments of frustration, Geebs Marie Williams will take your breath away through the power of her emotions and stature.

With creating the world of the play, Marta Fossati and Gabi King are given the task to technically produce the surroundings through lighting and sound, which for the most part pays off and gives atmosphere to the production, even if at points the music feels a little disjointed and the lighting doesn’t quite capture the tension in the piece. Ben Gavan should also take credit for the fight direction, as both Williams and Evans at points during the piece do not hold back on throwing themselves into the action, especially early on in the play, and the control from both performers is impeccable.

As a play which originated up in Edinburgh at the fringe, I could imagine it being one that would want you to cancel all other shows that day, to allow the emotions and themes to sit with you, as at moments it simply takes your breath away as the horror unfolding hits you with Jenkins’ daunting dialogue, and it’s safe to say that now, 14 years after those same horrors, I find myself writing this review with a deep sadness that can only be possible from this exceptional production.

Bobby and Amy plays at The OSO Arts Centre until Sunday 11th May 2025.