Trigger warnings: abuse, violenceThe Sorrow
How much control do we have over who we are and what we become? Defines the past our future? Can we ever forget who we once were, escape our previous mistakes and start again? Or are we doomed to be haunted, chased and hunted forever?
These are the questions that are asked Monster, The award -winning winning piece that is currently being performed at London’s Seven Dials Playhouse. Show Revival comes after the innocent game got its world premiere at the Park Theater in 2022 and explores the devastating effects of the abuse cycle and asks the question of forgiveness when an unthinkable act is committed.
Directed by Kevin Tomlinson, Monster Tells the story of worried teenager Kayleigh Gray (played impeccably by Abigail Hood, who also wrote the work). The first act is located in Glasgow 2006 and follows Kayleigh’s intense relationship/friendship with best friend Zoe (Lauren Downie). Under the law we get an insight into Kayleigh’s dark and abusive childhood, largely in the hands of her mother Hazel (Sarah Waddell).
We also discover her counterfeit relationship with teacher Rebecca Hastie (Lisa Ellis), who, despite being told to stay away, is drawn into her chaotic world. A series of tragic events develop, leading to a truly upcoming and life -changing moment for everyone involved. The second act takes up over a decade later, as the consequences are facing. This culminates in a series of painful discussions about justice and forgiveness and the long -term impact of an unimaginable action.
Monster is an intense and thought -provoking game that is extremely captivating and sometimes really shocking. Although there are humorous scenes throughout, especially in the first act, these moments were often crushed at a moment of devastating revelations. Moment so worrying that it made the audience, including myself, audible GISP. This is not a convenient game in any way, and it makes you question how you would react in such a situation and who the real “monster” is.
Abigail Hood is a vision like Kayleigh – she perfectly nails every feeling whether it is fear, happiness, love or blind rage. As the author’s writer, she gives the difficult story to life sensitive and really comes under the audience’s skin. Her chemistry with Lauren Downie, who plays Zoe, is brilliant, and the couple is a force to count on during the first act. Lisa Ellis really pulls on your heart strands with a bowel -cutting tour like Rebecca Hastie, while Sarah Waddell makes you love to hate her as Kayleigh’s abused, but still abusive, mother Hazel.
The game has a fairly stripped down rear, with walls covered with newspaper articles that describe stories about abuse. This sets the tone from the off, but is accentuated by the use of props throughout. There are also short clamps of music between scenes that can sometimes be distracting, but the pre-show and the interval’s playlist have some exciting song choices that seem to bind to the question of who the real villain is within the story.
Personally, it would have been interesting to visit some of Kayleigh’s rehabilitation rather than fast until today, but the scenes between her and Mrs. Hastie later are extremely powerful. The final scene also book the game nicely but everyone will interpret it differently. It feels frustrating sometimes but you can also see why Abigail chose to end it this way.
It is likely to Monster Will make you question your preconceived thoughts and offer a convincing insight into all pages of history, especially those you may not think about. The six -strong role played each a major role in this, including Kevin Tomlinson as John Parker, who only knows Kayleigh after rehabilitation, and Steve Hay as Stevie Hastie, Rebecca’s husband who has moved on with his life.
Monster Is not black and white – it highlights the impact a gray area in terms of justice and forgiveness while glowing a light on some incredibly worrying themes. It is important to go there with an open mind and prepare yourself to be invested in the lives of these characters. It is a game that will undoubtedly open up many conversations and let you think about its content for several days after.
Monster Playing at Seven DIALS Playhouse until October 18. Remaining tickets available here.
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Disclaimer clause: talented tickets in exchange for an honest review
Monster supports and supported by Advance, a charity that supports women and girls affected by home violence and sexual violence, including those in contact with the criminal system. Advance provides advocates, practical support and services to help women rebuild their lives. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.advanscharity.org.uk
