Apricot opens with the 2 lead characters, Angel (Jaz Tizzard) and Gina (Lucy Nicholson), watching a bowl coated with a tea towel that incorporates the remnants of Angel’s abortion. This opening scene might counsel a probably uncomfortable night forward, however regardless of the intense and controversial themes, Gigi Rice’s writing brings wit and humour to the stage. The play highlights the ethical ambiguity round abortion. Tizzard and Nicholson play an unlikely pair of buddies: Angel has no downside with utilizing abortion as contraception, and Gina’s disapproval of her pal’s actions grows steadily all through. However the character of Angel…
Ranking
60
Good
This darkish comedy tackles a number of divisive, controversial points.
Apricot opens with the 2 lead characters, Angel (Jaz Tizzard) and Gina (Lucy Nicholson), watching a bowl coated with a tea towel that incorporates the remnants of Angel’s abortion. This opening scene might counsel a probably uncomfortable night forward, however regardless of the intense and controversial themes, Gigi Rice’s writing brings wit and humour to the stage.
The play highlights the ethical ambiguity round abortion. Tizzard and Nicholson play an unlikely pair of buddies: Angel has no downside with utilizing abortion as contraception, and Gina’s disapproval of her pal’s actions grows steadily all through. However the character of Angel feels barely underdeveloped. We don’t see the true motives behind her decisions to have a number of abortions, regardless of her rant about how entry to contraception is presided over by medical professionals. Gina’s motives are clearer: her dad and mom are within the priesthood, and it’s clear that she shares their beliefs. As time goes on her God advanced develops, however the character nonetheless maintains the childlike naivety that current initially. It additionally touches on the male expertise of abortion, as Caleb (Finlay Huge Lane) states that Angel’s pregnancies are ‘half of him’. His pleasure when he believes he’s lastly going to be a father, and response when he hears of Angel’s miscarriage is heartbreaking.
Rice’s comedic writing is great. It’s not clear when the play is about, however the characters all reference Snapchat while additionally utilizing the phrases ‘butters’ and ‘moist’, which made the time ambiguous. There are many ‘snicker out loud’ moments, together with some very witty one liners; ‘that’s an ironic use of a bag for all times’, while costume decisions elicit an enormous quantity of laughter from the viewers. The doorway of a child Jesus doll, who has clearly been a part of a nativity set for over thirty years, is one other comedic spotlight.
Between every scene, there are soundscapes that include information clips of protection of the overturning of Roe vs Wade in 2022, expertly crafted by Sarah Cameron-West. The lighting design by Fergus O’Mortgage brings the efficiency to life in a easy manner, however this suits the efficiency effectively. The characters of Angel and Gina present the angst and complexity of teenage feminine friendships. They don’t seem to be afraid to be true to themselves and to share these emotions with one another. The themes of the play are uncooked and related, and alongside the witty writing, make an entertaining and thought-provoking efficiency.
Written by: Gigi Rice Directed and produced by: Lucy Nicholson Set & Costume Design by: Clare Nicholson Lighting Design by: Fergus O’Mortgage Sound Design by: Sarah Cameron-West
