York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 13th May 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Mayflies is a new musical, written and composed by Gus Gowland, making its world premiere at York Theatre Royal. Inspired by the life of mayflies, who only live for one day but exist in water, sometimes for years, before gaining their wings.
It’s a modern-day romance, two strangers meet online, communicating frequently. Overtime they connect, forming a special bond, but it takes them two long years to take the leap and meet face to face. You see their friendship blossom after the first tentative hello, culminating in “I love you”, but there is still some reticence for that physical contact.
We follow May (Nuno Queimado) and Fly (Rumi Sutton) through their relationship, via flashbacks, flash forwards, there are no chronological barriers here. These are achieved using lighting and sound, jumping from one brief moment in time, to another and to the present, in a stark hotel room.
Looking at their relationship playing out on stage was at times uncomfortable, you could see something was not quite right, why wait so long to truly connect? Perhaps they knew deep down that something was amiss. When they do meet there is a lot of awkwardness, not sure how to react when you think you know the other person so well, to realise that you don’t. They both put up barriers that never fully come down. There are tender moments, where you really want the happily ever after, but alas this love story is long in the making, but quick to burn out.
The stage is dimly lit by hanging lights, shades reminding you of the mayflies’ wings. There is a staircase just to the right which leads off to balcony above the hotel room. The stage has different levels, with platforms scattered about. The actors used this to great effect when telling their story, using the platforms, which also contained various props, ingenious. The lighting and sound enhanced the storytelling, with a quick burst as the timeline changed.
What makes this show work is the rawness and pure emotion shown by both actors, it was mesmerizing to watch. They really brought the characters to life. The music is the real powerhouse behind the story telling, Gowland’s musical numbers were outstanding and original.
Though this is a two man show there are three actors involved, Queimado, Sutton and Emma Thornett. Depending on when you see the show depends on what combination you get, as May and Fly change. Sutton plays both May and Fly, with Queimado as May and Thornett as Fly. This changes the dynamics, with different personalities but the same script, showcasing the versatility of the cast. Though I have only seen the one show I am sure that the other variations would be just as dynamic.
This tale is not just full of serious moments, but is spattered with joy, and with some laugh out loud moments, from the simple things and comments of life. I left the theatre on a high after enjoying 90 minutes of entertainment and a smile on my face. What more could you ask for? A new fresh piece of theatre that you should watch.