Hope Theatre, Islington – 14th February 2022
Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton
5*****
To Have and To Hold by Mark Bastin is an absolute theatrical masterpiece. It tells the story of married couple Dennis (Mark Steere) and Gina (Susan Graham), through two monologues that are intertwined with one another, varying the story ever so slightly. Dennis tells what seems to be a more romanticised version of the story, until near the end when his monologue becomes more realistic. Gina, on the other hand, tells her side of the story in a much harsher way, allowing the audience to fully grasp the details of their marriage, and some of her childhood. The tone of her monologue changes slightly towards the end, as she embraces the love and care she receives from her husband.
The set has been expertly designed by Ceci Calf, and is made to look like a typical living room in an elderly person’s house. The theatre is so small that the audience feels as if they are actually in their living room as opposed to just seeing it. It feels a little invasive as though the audience are intruding into their home, and shouldn’t be there, but this works brilliantly with the way that the story is told.
As the two reflect on their lives together, it becomes very clear that the couple are the most unlikely pairing. The characters seem like polar opposites, with Dennis being the shy, caring type and Gina being the confident, outspoken type. It also becomes clear that, while their marriage has been a long one, it isn’t necessarily a happy one, with secrets being revealed that show a true insight into the struggles of their relationship.
This play is the perfect thing for Valentine’s day, although not for the reasons you think.