Jack Studio Theatre – until 11 November 2023
4****
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Bones in Motion’s production of Imogen Wilde’s debut play is a thought-provoking and funny take on the information wars that fuel public action or apathy about climate change.
Activist Millie (Imogen Wilde) hears of a remote community in Scotland populated by like-minded scientists and campaigners – the “knowers” who realise how badly humanity are damaging the planet – and, feeling vulnerable after making a very public mistake, she decides to join them for a month’s retreat.
On arrival, although thrilled with the recycling, low-carbon and self-sufficient lifestyle, a few things puzzle her. Why does she need to surrender her phone? Why do the rules include no internet, no news broadcasts from the outside world, and why does everybody need to wear a tracker? Despite clashing at first with Jay (Andre Bullock) as he needles her about middleclass white privilege and how much easier it is to make a change if you have money, the two become inseparable, and Millie even wins over spiky longstanding resident Ruth (Rebecca Crankshaw) whose first impression of Millie is the delightfully phrased “a cocktail of entitlement and delusion”. Jilly Bond is Sylvie – drinking her days away, and Sushant Shekhar is Ramesh – the only resident with limited contact with the outside world.
The cast have wonderful chemistry and a believable passion as they gaze out at imaginary Scottish landscapes and stars. Wilde and Bullock bounce off each other brilliantly with a lightness that is charming and convincing under Oliver Stephens’ direction.
The community’s knowledge of climate disaster and their choice to withdraw themselves seems to both beguile and disgust Millie, and she begins to question what exactly is going on. Cartoonishly evil lobbyists and puppet politicians shed light on the mystery as their shady discussions about following the American model of misinformation and doubt to drown out the studies of scientists lead to a genius plan to shut down the voices they deem most dangerous.
Wilde’s skilful writing keeps the audience wondering about certain characters’ motivations and loyalties right until the final payoff, and this is a very impressive debut.
Extracts from genuine studies and reports are projected and read out, and Jay’s helplessness at not being to ensure the children of Lewisham get to breathe less toxic air ground the humour and you will probably leave the theatre feeling angry and inspired by this timely and smart production.