★★★★
“Tell me about your mother.”
Locusts is a true poignant story tackling the lingering trauma of conversion therapy used within the church.
Partners Stephen and Jeff (played by Ian Tucker-Bell and Pierse Stevens) have a very natural relationship from the offset. Their connection is electric and encapsulates the rhythm of speech you find in long-term relationships. From speaking over one another to finishing each others sentences. Their connection makes the subject of the play harder to digest when you realise Jeff was unaware of Stephen’s experience.
Julie Flower plays Sian, the concerned friend that acts as a bridge for the audience. She sets up the couple’s flashbacks nicely.
Nick Blessley takes the role of Pete, the pastor who made Stephen endure conversion therapy through the use of prayer and counselling. His performance is stoic and his presence changes the atmosphere.
Multiple times thought-out the performance audiences had a sharp intake of breath, from the absurdity and audacity of Blessley’s pastor.
Steven’s speech uncovers his emotionally derelict mother and the impact it’s had on him. His performance is bittersweet and develops his character immensely – we understand his pain and want for genuine emotion from his mother.
With the use of three boxes, this team of players chop and change between flashbacks, locations and timezones – a stand-out moment comes when Steven confesses to Jeff about his feeling of connection to the pastor. It’s truly upsetting to watch him explain and embody his trauma bond to the church as it’s displayed with the push-and-pull between his partner and pastor, a clever theatrical device.
The company’s Brechtian choice of having the actors watch from the aisles is impactful as the audience is left feeling something is hanging over them, much like Stephen when Pete propositions him.
Locusts is running at the Space @ Surgeons Hall until the 26th of August.
Review by Jade Flack
