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REVIEW | In Other Words, UK Tour - Key Theatre, Peterborough
- Harry Brogan
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
In Other Words, written by Matthew Seager and directed by Andy Routledge, follows the story of Arthur and Jane, a couple who navigate the devastating impacts of Arthur’s diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
As we entered the auditorium, Arthur and Jane (Matthew Seager and Lydia White) were talking and laughing as we took our seats, making me feel as if I was walking into a family member’s house.
The intimate staging allowed the audience to feel closer to the characters, making you feel as though you are invited into Arthur and Jane’s personal, intimate living room. The audience were transformed into the lives of Arthur and Jane, as the lighting flickered between both flashbacks and the present day.
Director Andy Routledge directs the flashback to Arthur and Jane’s first date making them feel intimate, powerful and humorous, while also the chemistry between Seager and White dominated the intimate space. The motif of the song ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ was repeated throughout the play, as the pair danced to the song on their first date. The repeated use of the song reminded the audience of the significance of dance and music within their powerful, intimate relationship. Dance and music was also a reminder of a loving, comforting relationship between the pair and as an audience member the music transformed me into the minds of Arthur and Jane, making me feel as if I was sitting in their living room with them.
The use of lighting to distinguish between flashbacks and present day was powerfully executed, by designer Will Aider with the shows intimate, close-proximity and minimalist set.
Matthew Seager portrays the role of Arthur, Seager took the audience on a journey into Arthur’s mind, as we slowly watched Arthur’s memory deteriorate, from forgetting basic essentials in the shops, to the powerful gut-wrenching moment when Arthur could no longer remember his wife - the audience were reminded of the harsh reality Alzheimer’s disease has on both the individual and their family. I felt physically shaken watching Arthur’s journey, and that is due to a stellar and emotionally captivating performance by Seager, as Arthur physically exploding with frustration through a powerful monologue.
Lydia White portrayed Jane, loving-wife of Arthur, White delivers complexity and raw emotion. The scene in the doctor’s office where Arthur’s memory deteriorates will forever stick in my mind, as you can physically feel the frustration from both Arthur and Jane. Following the doctor’s scene, the scene where Jane cries in the living room armchair as she realises there will be one day where her husband will no longer recognise her is powerful and emotionally poignant. As an audience member you feel as if you are trapped inside the minds of both Arthur and Jane, as they navigate the complex vulnerability of experiencing Alzheimer’s disease, through powerful monologues narrating their internal thoughts.
The committed relationship between the couple made the revelations in the doctor’s scene powerful, which are devastatingly upsetting, as the effects of Alzheimer’s disease were cruelly revealed for both Arthur and his wife. The story ends with Jane and Arthur, as Arthur remembers a beautiful woman who he spilt red wine on, a small detail from their first date in the beginning of the play.
The structure of linking the beginning and the end of the play together, intertwined with dance and music, through the motif of ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ was a stellar decision which was executed with raw emotion.
The round of applause continued throughout the ending and was thoroughly deserved. The story is written with consideration to the reality of the illness, reflecting true-life with respect to individuals and their families who can relate to Arthur and Jane’s story. Theatre that allows a true reflection on issues in society, In Other Words powerfully represents real-life struggles of Alzheimer’s disease, giving individuals a voice for their stories to be heard.
★★★★★
In Other Words tours the UK until 24th of May.
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