Review of 'The Space Between My Head and My Body

Gin in the Tea Theatre Company bring their debut production to the Edinburgh Fringe in the form of new play, 'The Space Between My Head and My Body'. Written by Royal Court Young Writer, Catie O'Keefe, 'The Space Between' offers us up 7 lost souls, trapped in the claustrophobic vessel of an airplane. Reality and time have no meaning here. Fifties rock and roll comes face to face with oxygen masked scantily clad ghost-like figures as we go on a surreal and atmospheric journey into each of our characters attempts to redefine and understand who they are.

Director, Melissa Dunne, succeeds in creating a sense of mystery throughout. Boundaries of reality and naturalism are bent and battered as some slick physical work and technical tricks, show us that this world is strange and wonderful. This is a place where anything could happen. And yet, unfortunately the play fails to ignite. Many of the characters seem sparsely drawn and fail to find answers to the questions that they pose. Okay, this might well be the point but it fails to serve as dramatic theatre. The pace throughout has no variation and there is no build in tension or excitement. The play cries out for a fast paced explosive ending as the plane crashes into the ground. As it was, we were left starting all over again and feeling that our characters hadn't actually gone anywhere.

Special mention must go to Laura Sykes who plays a wonderful Megan to her twin brother, Mark. Her performance sparkles and there is genuine and moving sibling chemistry between the two of them. It is this relationship that is most interesting as each of the twins struggle to find their true identity. There is an absolutely gorgeous moment where Mark tries on his sister's dress. As it is, good acting performances aside, the other characters fail to leave an impression. Underwritten and unfocused they tend to drift into obscurity.

The mystery and surreal nature of this piece is it's strongest asset. Unfortunately, there is no pay off and we feel slightly let down by the lack of ambition shown towards the end of the play. As it is, Gin in the Tea have made a good debut and are definitely a company to follow. With confidence from this production they now need to push on and take bigger risks as The Space Between My Head and My Body seems far too comfortable for viewers and performers alike.

This review is also available at http://www.fringereview.co.uk/

For exciting, raw and empassioned theatre check out another new play by another Royal Court Young Writer. 'Involution' is playing at The Pleasance 10 Dome at Midday everyday (not Monday 18th).