REVIEW: Something in the Air by Peter Gill at Jermyn Street Theatre 13 October - 12 November 2022

‘a love story that we don’t often see … also a love song to London’ ★★★

Two lovers, Colin (Ian Gelder) and Alex (Christopher Godwin), reminisce about their lives and loves in their care home as visitors come in and out, some real and some shadows of lives lived. Sitting on two red, wingback chairs set like thrones for the entire performance, they vacillate between animated and uninterested, telling their suddenly remembered tales, usually when the other is speaking. Gelder and Godwin are utterly believable as elderly gentlemen looking back at their lives, sometimes remembering lucidly and at other times doddering towards inattention and sleep.

Clare (Claire Price), Colin’s niece, and Andrew Woodall (Andrew), Alex’s son, come to visit with varying levels of engagement with the men they came to visit, sometimes reading a newspaper and at other times interacting with each other. Andrew arrives with his own demons and shares some insight into loss. Clare is much more supportive of them showing physical affection by putting their hands together on the arm of their chairs, something that Andrew is surprisingly adamantly opposed to.

Peter Gill’s innovative flair comes out with the arrival of bright-eyed Nicholas (James Schofield) and Gareth (Sam Thorpe-Spinks) who represent Colin and Alex’s previous lovers. They speak to each other and to the enthroned couple, giving some insight into young love. However, though they spend a lot of time on stage they only have moments of dialogue. Their job, it seems, is to help us visualise the youthful life lived once upon a time.

Throughout, the two characters really had the stage and script while the others remained a bit underused. Yet, there is an attempt to represent the diversity of experience between these two men, the way they approached love and life, and even their present existence through the next generation through the supporting cast.

This is a love story that we don’t often see: from the lenses of two older gentlemen who have lived unusual lives. This is also a love song to London, the place where these lovers share their memories, have come together in tenderness and will finish their days.

Photography: Steve Gregson

Something in the Air by Peter Gill at Jermyn Street Theatre 13 October - 12 November, 2022

Box Office https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/something-in-the-air/

Performed by Ian Gelder, Christopher Godwin, Claire Price, James Schofield, Sam Thorpe-Spinks, Andrew Woodall

Written by Peter Gill

Directed by Peter Gill and Alice Hamilton

Set & Costume Designers: Anett Black & Neil Irish

Lighting Designer: Jamie Platt

Sound Designer: Harry Blake

Assistant Director: Sam Woof

Reviewed by Mariam Mathew