Bren Gosling’s heartwarming and poignant look at starting life afresh in later life is wonderfully engaging from start to finish.
There is something so refreshing about watching Invisible Me in the way it focuses on three characters in their 60’s and having to navigate changes in circumstances in their life, acting as a reminder that stories about those on the search for love and companionship in later life.
Invisible me follows three characters with different backgrounds, but all with something in common: trying to find a way through their loneliness. Lynn is looking for a way to give her life a little bit extra instead of just rattling around the house that she inherited from her mum, Jack is newly widowed and thrust back into the dating life, while Alec is divorced and estranged from his children still trying to convince himself that he irresistible to anyone he turns his charm onto.
What is really beautiful about the way in which Bren Gosling has written Invisible Me is the way in which every character’s backstory has been crafter – there is sadness but also joy in the stories that they share as well as their attitudes to different aspects of their life. But equally as impressive is how the play gradually brings the characters together to a very satisfying and comforting ending that leaves the audience with a smile on their face.
The whole play addresses hard hitting issues such as domestic violence, drug use, HIV+ and loneliness but it does so in a really grounded and insightful way that allows the audience to really get to know each of the characters and the personal journey that they go on.
Directed by Scott Le Crass, there is a real seamlessness to the way in which each character is able to share their story with humour and pathos, without it ever feeling awkward. Through his production, Le Crass ensures the focus is on ensuring that the characters come together in their own time in a natural and believable way. The pacing of the production is nicely judged and makes the audience feel as though they are part of the story (the way in which cast use the characters is nicely judged).
In addition, the cast themselves are completely joyous to watch as they bring each character so brilliantly and sympathetically to life. Tessa Peake-Jones as Lynn brings a wonderfully comical sadness to the character that really works, while also highlighting the character’s growing confidence as she finds an unexpected way to try and connect and reinvigorate her love life. James Holmes as Jack offers vulnerability and delicate uncertainty as his character tries to move forward in life while grieving for his partner – it is powerfully heart-wrenching to watch. Kevin N Golding as Alec offers depth, showcasing the character’s charm but also his vulnerability. Together the chemistry between the characters when they finally meet is really charming.
Overall, if you can catch Invisible Me then I do recommend that you do so. Filled with humour, poignancy and utter honesty it is a really refreshing piece of theatre to watch unfold.
Invisible Me continues to play at the Southwark Playhouse until the 2nd May.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️