Perspectives were challenged in Emma Willats’ compelling revival of Lucy Prebble’s play ‘The Effect.’ It was fuelled with so much uncertainty as it carefully examined the science behind human nature, impulse, and desire. Prebble’s writing is both intricate and exceptionally captivating. It revolves around a clinical drug trial, in which two volunteers, Tristian and Connie, fall in love. However, a psychological aspect is introduced as the volunteers have been put on powerful anti-depressants and we see the two enduring the trials’ dramatic impact of these drugs on their emotions.
On Sunday 13th October, I visited the Gulbenkian Theatre at Kent University and watched their production of ‘The Effect’. To begin with, the director Emma Willatts perfectly encapsulated the disorientating effects of medication. Her direction was clearly effective as the production harnessed conflicting feelings of happiness, longing and distrust.
As Connie reports a heightened level of hearing, the sound design cleverly captures this through a constant ticking sound – mimicking a clinical beep. It perfectly captured the effects of the medication Connie and Tristan were reporting.
Immediately, it was intriguing. The set is purposefully designed, with clever use of geometric designs to help contribute to the clinical sense. The designer Nick Willis cleverly captured the impersonal and medical ambience through the absence of colour used – they had kept to a range of blues, similarly to a hospital. The medical atmosphere prevailed consistently throughout as the protagonists, Tristian and Connie, wore plain, grey jogging bottoms throughout the play with a plain, white top. Their simplistic clothing conveyed a sense of uniformity and detachment; it enhanced the themes of emotional turmoil. struggle and anxiety as the storyline unfolded.
The cast was brilliant. Tristian, played by Patrick Lyle-Condon, is a cheeky chappy who is the stark opposite of Connie, an intelligent psychology student who often prioritizes logic. The two get on immediately due to Tristian’s extroverted character. Esme Moriarty Smith played Connie, and she excelled in her performance. She perfectly harnessed Connie’s more reserved, but still fun and upbeat character. Her character's decline arises from her tendency to over-think; she is uncertain about the validity of her feelings for Tristan. As the play progressed, it became increasingly apparent that her chemistry with Lyle-Condon was unparalleled. Lyle-Condon was also an exceptional performer - he fiercely engaged the audience through his quick-wit and perfect comedic timing. His character endured harsh instabilities at time and he captured the conflicting feelings of unknown and desire flawlessly.
Another actor that showcased exceptional talent was Lucia Randall, who played Dr Lorna James, the multi-faceted, complex psychiatrist who administered the trials. As the plot progresses, it is revealed she herself suffers from depression and Randall depicted her character's mental decline superbly. Towards the end of the play, she has a monologue which was breathtaking – for a moment, the audience receives an insight into her mind, and we see the real complexities of her character. Randall did a superb job and illustrated a wide range of theatrical facets – at times, her acting was moving, yet others it was saddening and thought-provoking.
I cannot wait to see what these up-and-coming actors do next and am eager to see another Prebble piece.
