In the intimate basement space of the Libra Theatre Cafe, "Wishes" proves that you don't need a big budget to create magic; you just need a sharp script and actors who can handle the emotional heavy lifting. Set against the bleak backdrop of an A&E waiting room on Christmas Eve, this new production is a surprisingly engaging piece of theatre that deftly balances festive cheer with raw, human vulnerability.
The premise seems simple enough at first: Adam, suffering from a nasty head injury, is stuck in the purgatory of an endless hospital wait. Enter Agnes, a chaotic, eccentric stranger who seems to lack any concept of personal space. What begins as a comedy of annoyance quickly evolves into something far more profound. The writing is brilliant, moving seamlessly between laugh-out-loud banter and moments of devastating sadness without ever giving the audience emotional whiplash.
Curtis Burrows brings a grounded, relatable frustration to the role of Adam, making his eventual emotional unravelling all the more touching. Opposite him, Jess Cole is a dynamo as Agnes; she is hilarious and high-energy, yet manages to hint that something deeper and more mysterious lies beneath her erratic behaviour. Their chemistry drives the piece, turning a static waiting room into a dynamic battleground of past regrets and future hopes.
Crucially, the play avoids the predictable tropes of standard festive dramas. Just when you think you have the dynamic figured out, the script takes a turn. The ending features an interesting twist that put in context much of what came before, landing with a poignancy that leaves a lasting impact as you leave the theatre.
"Wishes" is a (Christmas) hidden gem of the London fringe scene: a funny, heart-wrenching, and ultimately reminder of the fragility of connection.