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Review | I'm Fine, It's Just the Wine, Etcetera Theatre - London (Camden Fringe)

AD | tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review




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Fringe theatre, it’s a real rollercoaster of incredible gems to absolute duds, and you can never quite be sure what you are going to get walking into a cramped, hot black box above a pub. But I am pleased to say that on the rollercoaster that is the fringe theatre, ‘I'm Fine, It’s Just the Wine’ (Written by Sally Nash & Directed by Meeri Aro) is definitely, definitely on the up…


The play follows an unnamed heterosexual couple, (played by Dominic Bryant & Sally Nash) dealing with the trauma and aftermath of being sexually assaulted whilst in a relationship. The show begins straight at the morning after the incident, and then the scenes jump through the year post, as we see how this trauma lives and breathes in every facet of their relationship, and how the man's toxic masculine environment of pub life bleeds into their home. It is truly like watching the de-evolution of a relationship in real time as we see both of them spiral, attempting to come to terms with what happened that first evening. It is a heartbreaking depiction of the damage sexual assault can cause, yet also all too real, and you can't take your eyes off of it.


Both Bryant and Nash handle these characters incredibly well. The chemistry between the two is off the charts, they play their dialogue naturally yet with a huge stage presence from the both of them, it just really feels... real.


Nash plays her character with real care & precision, even in funny & uplifting moments, you can tell there is something bubbling underneath, and this suppression of emotion is played exceptionally well throughout the play. Nash's commitment to character is something to behold, and the performance at the end of the play especially is absolutely astounding.  


Bryant on the other hand plays this confident yet deeply flawed character with such charm and charisma, full of joy and play, but with an underlying guilt that is strung throughout the show. You can see the torment throughout his character arc, again ending with a stellar performance in the blowout final scene, where Bryant lays all his acting cards on the table, delivering anger, misery, compassion and more. Both of them play the trauma of their situation with honesty and heart, making their performances incredibly touching. 


The writing of the play (also by Sally Nash) is not something to be skipped over either. Quick, witty, clever quips and remarks fly & flirt around subjects at hand, saying so much through subtext and inner dialogue, it portrays this relationship in a very real light. Never too on the nose, yet still just obvious enough for us to understand what's going on. It is a fantastic depiction of toxic masculinity & the trauma of sexual assault - it truly feels like being a fly on the wall of the couples relationship. 


Meeri Aro’s directing supports this, with the tender moments especially being directed with beautiful precision. It's careful and delicate, and you can tell there is real care and thought in how Aro directs every moment. I think a lot of what I’ve talked about in the performances and chemistry between the two titular characters can be attributed to Aro’s direction as well - it is clear Aro is a young directorial powerhouse, and one to keep an eye on.


If I had to nit pick, the transitions are, for a fringe show, very interesting - I enjoyed what they were going for, but I think they could be slightly clearer, and possibly made a little cleaner & tidied up. But again, I’m just happy to see someone trying something new in a fringe show. 


Honest, heartful and incredibly believable, 'I'm Fine, It's Just the Wine' is at the forefront of exceptional fringe theatre. The writing, directing & performances are all to the standard of shows you would see at Park Theatre, or even The Royal Court. I would be shocked if I didn't see this show on a bigger stage in the next few years, these are definitely performers to keep your eyes on.


★★★★.5

‘I'm Fine, It’s Just the Wine’ is raising money for Solace, a domestic violence & sexual abuse charity aiming to end violence against women, helping to build safer, stronger lives. The link to the website, and their donation page is below



Photo Credit: Lilith Freeman
Photo Credit: Lilith Freeman

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