The Time Traveler’s Wife is a novel by Audrey Niffenegger published in 2003. It tells the love story of Clare (Joanna Woodward) and Henry (David Hunter), revealed through their alternating perspectives in which each character is the first-person narrator. Henry was born with a condition that allows him to travel in time, though when and where in time he travels is out of his control. The movie, released in 2009, starring Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, and Ron Livingston, was a commercial success.
Portraying a tale about a time traveller could quite easily become confusing and chaotic, but not in this production, directed by Christa Harris.
The versatile set, created by Anna Fleishcle allows a rapid change of the scenes, evoked by Andrzej Goulding’s stunning video design. Illusionist Chris Fisher invented a headache-inducing number of ways for Henry to materialise and vanish in a seemingly magical fashion on the stage, keeping the audience on their toes from start to finish.
The beautiful effects are perfectly showcased at the opening of the second act, showing the experience of being hurtled through time tunnels all the time from Henry’s perspective: a fantastic sequence.
Dave Stewart and Joss Stone have created an unmemorable soundtrack of 14 melodic songs that sound a little same-y. David and Joanna’s vocals are mesmerising.
Charisse and Gomez, a married couple, are played by Hiba Elchikhe and Tim Mahendran. They are so good that on many occasions they steal the show, with their comic relief, her gentle sass, and his likability.
The Time Traveller’s Wife is a show with heart and hope that captures the essence of the book beautifully. It’s ultimately a feel-good production where love wins the day.
It runs until 30 March 2024. Tickets from £19: here.
Photos: Johan Persson