This production of Daisy Hall’s play is intriguing but meanders too much to be completely convincing.
Faith, friendship, climate change and superstition are just some of the themes covered in this quirky and distinctive play by Daisy Hall that has plenty to say but not quite sure how to say it.
Bellringers follows the story of two friends Aspinall and Clement who are waiting in their town’s church tower, ready to alert the town when an apocalyptic storm hits – similar to ones that have hit towns close on either side of theirs – but what will their fate be?
In terms of atmosphere and quirkiness in trying to examine the way in which humans turn to superstition and reliance on friends in terms of crisis, Daisy Hall’s play has an interesting premise. However, the way in which climate change is attempted to be interwoven into making it an apocalyptic style show feels a little overblown and can become slightly confusing.
In addition, the way in which the conversation between the two characters meanders from one subject to the next can come across as slightly frustrating – although there are flashes of depth to it as we get to see Aspinall and Clement’s friendship up close and hear their innermost fears. It is fascinating to listen to how they each approach fear, superstition and belief which is one of the more compelling aspects to the show.
Yes there is a an absurdist sense of humour to it in a similar vein to Waiting for Godot, but here it just doesn’t feel as though the jokes quite land in the way that they should – particular in reference to the way in which the locals spotting likenesses of Christ in apple cores or pigs’ spleens.
It is a shame in many ways because I was expecting to the show to go a completely different way through Jessica Lazar’s production which has an eerie quality to it that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish, ensuring that the audience is kept guessing as to how it will end. While the timing is spot on and the overall vibe of the production has a great energy to it in a way that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, the occasional lack of focus in the script sits oddly with the tone of the production.
Natalie Johnson’s set design adds to the chilling atmosphere perfectly without distracting from the audience’s attention from the performances, while credit should also be given to David Doyle’s lighting design and Holly Khan’s sound design. The whole thing has been expertly directed in immense detail for film by Tristan McShepherd.
It has to be said that the contrasting performances of Luke Rollason as Clement and Paul Adeyefa as Aspinall are touching and carefully thought out in a way that made the show engaging to watch.
Overall, there are some good ideas in the play but it meanders and tries to cram too much in to be completely effective and coherent. A shame as there were elements in the production that made it an interesting watch.
by Emma Clarendon
Bellringers is available to watch via Original Theatre now.
Rating: ❤️❤️