The Glitch – until 22nd June 2026
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Award winning writer James Rushbrooke has captured the essence of a young women’s emotional journey through cancer, drawing on his experience working with children and young people. The shades of dark and light are well balanced to draw the audience in to this very human story.
Stuart (Pete Ashmore) reminds me of so many compassionate, dedicated charity workers I have had the pleasure of knowing during my own career in the voluntary sector. Ashmore (Stuart) delivers a warm, believable performance, not shying away from the honesty built into the script. The tussle with ‘policy and procedure’ combined with mistakes made in paperwork, give you a real sense of the pressure Stuart (Ashmore) and many other charity workers like him experience every day.
Zara (Myla Carmen) offers you an insight into the complexities of family relationships and an innate need to be heard before she dies. Carmen (Zara) gives a depth of emotion that visibly touches the audience, ranging from anger, pain, frustration to sorrow, love, vulnerability. Carmen (Zara) is able to bounce from a wise 17 year old who knows her own mind, to the inner child that needs the love of her parents.
Together Ashmore (Stuart) and Carmen (Zara) create a bond on set that is palpable. Ashmore switches between charity worker and Zara’s dad seamlessly, giving both characters their own distinct identity. Carmen (Zara) is sometimes so quiet you are made to strain to hear, however well pronounced the script. However, Carmen also offers you humour in her portrayal of the charity bosses and gentle ribbing of Stuart (Ashmore) and his hand puppets!
The stripped back set gives an intense focus on the two actors, with no where to hide. The lighting, sometimes glaring straight into the audience’s eyes, can do with a little adjustment.
This play is well worthy of its awards, touching you in many ways – expect both tears and laughter.