REVIEW: SIMA by Ellen Bannerman at Drayton Arms Theatre 4 – 8 July 2023

‘effectively explores themes of social responsibility’ ★★★

This unusual play by talented playwright Ellen Bannerman, has all the makings of a spooky ghost story or even a thriller, but in this production the emphasis is on ‘naturalism with the supernatural to explore themes of social responsibility’. In this way, female led company, Slime and Pies, hope to shed light on the themes of domestic abuse and femicide.  Whilst this is achieved, it could afford to let the play speak for itself and the theatrical elements to shine through more brilliantly.

The play’s opening premise has university student Jess, getting drawn into a conversation on the street with a stranger, Sima, who apparently has some injuries.  Jess suspects that she is a victim of domestic abuse.  Reluctantly, she invites Sima into her own home, and as the story continues to unfold, Jess is forced to face some of her own demons. 

Threaded through the play are various supernatural and spooky elements. The eerie noises of the plumbing breaking down, and the drowning woman in the painting on the wall, Jess’ premonition that Sima will be murdered by her partner. These are elements that could be exploited far more, to make the play really gripping. There is a video design (by Sara Aceto) which is used sparingly but effectively, but more attention to the sound design would help this along. 

The writer has added a third and essential character to the play, the plumber.  It wouldn’t be fair to give away all the twists in the plot, but let’s just say that Euan adds an element of menace whilst also allowing another perspective.

Actor Drew Gregg is excellent in his roles as the plumber and the police officer. His playing of Euan is very sympathetic, allowing audiences to root for him. His character is clearly working class with a chip on both shoulders, and this begs the question of what he might have suffered in his own life to bring him down. He is also very plausible in the role of the policeman, who is behaving by the book and refusing to be bullied by an overwrought Jess. Whilst these thoughts seem to be against the aims of the play, these counter-arguments help to make the play more believable and well balanced. There are also other nice touches in the drama which raise questions about our responsibility to ourselves and others.  

It takes a while for Esme Hough as Jess to settle into her role (on the night I saw the play). In the earliest scenes her response to her fellow actor is so fast that she could not possibly have heard what was being said to her. Perhaps it was nerves, but a tiny pause is needed before responding. As the show unfolds, Hough begins to excel in the role. Lucy Menzies as Sima is also a wonderfully talented actor, although in the earliest scene she has the task of competing with Hough’s fast pace and shrillness (they both sound high pitched), which makes the first scene rather disappointing.  Differentiation of voices is something the company might do well to consider. (Drew Gregg similarly has the same voice for both of his roles … we are surely not expected to believe that it is the plumber impersonating a police officer).

Whilst, for this reviewer, the play didn’t quite reach its full potential, the company has much to offer. It’s worth noting that this thoughtful company have integrated captions to make the play accessible for those with loss of hearing.  Touches like this, could make them one of the most promising emerging companies in the off-west end circuit. Hopefully, we will see more of this company’s work soon.

SIMA by Ellen Bannerman at Drayton Arms Theatre 4 – 8 July 2023

Keep in touch with the company:

Twitter https://twitter.com/SlimeandPies_

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/slimeandpies_/

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery