A tale of hope, desperation and loss, Lovesick spins us into the world of Sarah (Georgina Barley) and Maggie (Avena Mansergh-Wallace) and how they navigate the struggle of comprehending the fragility of life.
The play opens with Sarah lying on the ground with Maggie’s hand hovering over her chest. There is a pulsating motion, indicating a beating heart. A seamless set of movement is carried out by the two actors (choreographed by the Director Marlie Haco and Movement Consultant, Emily Orme), before the dialogue begins. We open in a doctor’s office. Throughout the first scene, we discover that Sarah needs a heart transplant and that she has formed an attachment to her doctor, Maggie throughout the process.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about the special connection these two have and watch as they discover things about themselves through each other. The chemistry is electrifying from both actors, with beautifully subtle facial expressions that work well in the intimate space of the Hope Theatre. The choreography allows us to be completely enveloped in the emotions they bring out of each other, detailing the passion and pain between the two.
Barley’s explosively erratic Sarah and Mansergh-Wallace’s collected and clinical Maggie is a perfect fit as the two both compliment and clash throughout the story. Haco’s directing brilliantly compliments the writing and is a perfect fit with Barley’s script.
With interesting twists and captivating performances, Lovesick is not one to miss at The Hope Theatre, running until the 6th November.
Review: Bibi Lucille