Is there anybody there?

⭐⭐⭐

The Milnerton Playhouse

22 February 2025

Runs until 08 March 2025

Is There Anybody There? attempts to blend dark comedy with the supernatural, but the result is an uneven production that often feels burdened by its wordiness. The dialogue-heavy script, particularly in the first act, slows the momentum to a crawl, making it difficult for the play to establish a gripping pace. Conversations stretch on far longer than necessary, often circling the same ideas without adding much depth, which makes it hard to stay fully engaged in the unfolding mystery. It can be argued that this thorough set-up is required for the unfolding of Act 2, but this reviewer was a little bored to notice that detail.

The direction does little to alleviate this sluggishness. Scene transitions lack urgency, and the comedic and eerie elements never quite settle into a cohesive rhythm. The séance sequence, which should be a highlight, arrives without the necessary buildup to make it truly unsettling. Instead, it feels like an obligatory moment rather than an earned climax. The 'slap' in the second act was a direction decision I still can't fathom, as its intent and execution are both a fail.

Sue’s substance dependence is introduced early in the play as a coping mechanism, but it remains frustratingly stagnant throughout. Rather than escalating in response to her growing distress, her reliance stays on a reliable glass of wine - failing to mirror the increasing tension of the plot. A more dynamic approach—perhaps showing her progressing from wine to stronger liquor like vodka or gin (I'm told a popular choice among bored housewives) would have reflected the growing tension and pain within. The only addition to her 'crutch' is Valium, which is a start.

Despite these flaws, the cast does an impressive job of keeping the audience (mostly) engaged. The two leads handle the excessive dialogue with skill, injecting energy and personality into lines in the second act, aiding the climax of the story. Their performances bring much-needed life to a script that often threatens to become tedious.

One of the more compelling aspects of the production is "The Woman", whose stoic and deadpan presence brings a much-needed contrast to the overly talkative script. Her stillness and measured delivery create an unsettling energy, allowing her to command the stage without excessive dialogue or theatrics. In a play that often suffers from pacing issues, her presence adds a sense of quiet tension, making her appearances all the more intriguing.

Technically, the production makes some effort to enhance the experience, with atmospheric lighting and sound design attempting to create a sense of unease. While these touches add a slight boost to the overall mood, they are not enough to overcome the play’s fundamental slowness. The ambition is there, but the execution never quite reaches its full potential.

While Is There Anybody There? has moments of charm and intrigue, it struggles to maintain its momentum, weighed down by an overlong script and uncreative direction. The cast elevates the material as much as possible, but ultimately, the play feels more like a drawn-out conversation than a compelling theatrical experience.