REVIEW: TABULA RASA at Lion and Unicorn Theatre 14 – 18 July 2026
'The wealth of ideas and theatrical styles at play is both a strength and a weakness.‘ ★★★ ½
‘Welcome to Tabula Rasa’, a soothing voice croons. ‘We're so glad you're here.’ Then the ambient music cuts, and screams, gunshots and electric shocks ring out. Four strangers, trapped in a liminal space, with no memory of how they got there. Who are they, why are they there and most importantly—how can they get out? The voice has informed us that they need to ‘surrender to their true power’. If you think that sounds vaguely ominous, you're on the right track.
Tabula Rasa is an ensemble piece, created by recent graduates of Fourth Monkey. The script is Ella Brock's, but the company has tackled the directing and devising together. Does ensemble directing sound chaotic? Not here, where the result is stylish and slick. The set is as simple as can be—a bright line encircling the space, a table and some chairs—with sound and light working overtime. Transitions are flawless, shifts dynamic. There's a tongue-in-cheek vibe to the costumes and props. It's amazing how much humour you can get out of a blood-drenched sock.
Brock's script allows each performer to shine: Oliver Manley's earnest straight man contrasts nicely with Liam Hurley's sarcastic, sex-crazed Buddhist. Mai Worth's sweet romantic clashes with Brock's own tightly wound vegan. All four have standout moments, and harmonise beautifully in the frequent movement sequences. Hurley's physical comedy deserves a special mention.
This is a show that electrocutes and shoots its characters cheerfully, usually for comedic effect. It uses its artificial entrapment to tackle a range of moral dilemmas, and when things get too dark, Céline Dion or Bridget Jones come to the rescue.
The wealth of ideas and theatrical styles at play is both a strength and a weakness: individually, each sequence is delightful. A dreamlike choreography near the end, dipped in red light, is a particular standout. But it also means that the show as a whole sometimes reads like a series of excellently executed drama exercises. The parts don't quite add up to the arc we need, the payoff remains a little too vague to truly hit home. If this show has a future life (and it should), some darlings may need to be sacrificed.
Tabula Rasa is this ensemble's first piece. Let's hope they create some more.
Written by Ella Brock
Directed by Blank Slate Theatre Company
Cast Oliver Manley, Ella Brock, Liam Hurley, Mai Worth
Produced by Blank Slate
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