At the play’s London premiere at the Arcola Theatre, the staging is a triumph that draws in the audience from the getgo. Designer Robert Innes Hopkins gives each protagonist one half of the stage to represent their ‘world’. Jack has a utilitarian army desk, Louise a showy quill pen with which she makes dramatic flourishes in the air. While sharing thoughts, opinions and updates on their lives, the pair moves around the stage, including the centre, though they never make physical contact. Eva Feiler’s vibrant and glamorous Louise and Preston Nyman’s at first shy and nervous Jack crisscross, reading letters, which we see represented by pieces of paper dangling above the action in a web of netting.
Jack’s side is sparse and business-like, while Louise’s resembles a wardrobe of glorious sexy stage costumes (and equally glam period frocks and flared trousers). Also evocative of the period is the music (sound designer Jamie Lu), all of which are original recordings that only prove to enhance the atmosphere.
