Codachrome is a complicated true love story between the DJ Remy (Everleigh Brenner) and her new partner Robbie (Dougie Santillo), set in a super sweaty nightclub. The play, revolving around only the two actors and DJ decks, is set in an actual rave where you are encouraged to dance and there is rave music throughout the show.
Codachrome is a small play with minimal costumes, set and props, but it is an intense love story with difficult subjects at its heart, which some may find difficult to watch.
The play follows Remy as she’s DJing at a rave night and is approached by Robbie, who asks her to teach him how to DJ. He is initially rejected, but using his charm and questionably “funny” pick-up lines, the pair end up back at Robbie’s place.
Over the course of 4 days, Robbie’s comments and kinks start identifying him as a controlling and manipulative man who has an interest in young girls. He will use previous experiences in his life to justify his actions and to control Remy. Remy must battle her own emotions as well as his while he love bombs her; she needs to see what’s on his phone.
The play is well written for Robbie, as his character development comes out of him justifying his actions to Remy using his past experiences with his mum, ex‑partner and when he is sexually assaulted as a child. But not as much development is given to Remy, and this could be fleshed out a little more to understand her better.
Brenner and Santillo are brilliant in this play. Santillo finds the fine line between making Robbie charming and creepy, switching between both to help us understand why Remy is so conflicted. Brenner shows an obvious battle Remy is having between her heart and her head, expressing her emotions even when she isn’t saying them.
The rave music playing throughout the show adds to parts of the play, but overall it makes it hard to hear what is being said, so subtitles on the screen become essential, and this removes from the immersion of the play.
The ending is a little confusing, and the closing speech lacks clarity, leaving the story without a strong sense of closure.
Overall, the show is very good. The intense story and subjects are certainly not for everyone, and the constant rave music will put some people off, but it is an interesting story with a great cast. It is recommended to see it.
Coadchrome played as part of the Voila Theatre Festival on November 8th 2025, at the Cockpit Theatre.
Review: James W.