The advance of social issues in the twentieth century have got human beings questioning their own identities more than ever; sexuality, gender and mental health being a very small portion of these topics.
Swimming is a powerful piece of new writing by Alex Bower, which dynamically explores these ideas, and that prejudice is wired within us all, whether we are aware of it or not. After a sell-out run back in 2019, Kayla Feldman has brought this intense piece of work back on its feet in an immersive yet uncomplicated way.
Right at the beginning of the play, we are introduced to the cracks between Dan (George Jones) and his long-term girlfriend Marianne (Rose Dickson). After their sudden split, he goes to the swimming pool and meets Sam (Dominic Rawson), where he immediately begins to question his sexuality. Even though he is adamant that he is infatuated with Sam, the plot is centred around Dan’s struggle to accept his queerness, both within society and in himself. Through trying to keep his relationship and sexuality a secret, his mental health begins to spiral and he pushes everyone away, including his best friend Ant (Andy Sellers). Swimming is in fact a wider metaphor for the decision of picking ones’ lane in life.
Alongside being able to only hold up to 50 audience members, the Arena staging at the White Bear Theatre really lends itself to this intense and immersive style of work. It is such a stripped-back production; no use of set or props. Sometimes in naturalistic plays, I find that the use of lighting and sound can be a bit excessive and distracting, but that was not the case for me in this show. Holly Ellis’ use of bisexual lighting gives the scenes such a beautiful and expressive touch, without taking any of the naturalistic quality away. Bower’s writing style naturally flows, and the four young actors execute this well by giving the drama a great pace and using well-earned pauses in the dialogue where it’s necessary. Even though the piece explores some serious and significant topics such as sexuality and suicide, there are some really brilliantly timed comedic moments which help break up the serious moments. At the end of the day, a little bit of light humour won’t hurt anyone!The stagecraft is excellent; all four of the actors remain in sight for the entirety of the one-act play. Even if they aren’t involved in the scene, they sit on the benches and remain in character. There isn’t a single scene where all four actors aren’t in use; it’s mainly duologues, and on a few occasions, there are three actors on the stage but for very minimal time. I liked this little touch from Bowers, as it heightened the idea of Sam and Dan’s secret relationship, and how throughout the play Dan was isolating himself from those who cared about him most. My only issue with the script would be the lack of character progression for Marianne. I felt like the three male characters went on spiritual journeys and had a lot of growth throughout the play, whereas Marianne stayed fairly similar in terms of energy and what she had to say about herself. On the other hand, this could have been a purposeful choice by Bowers, or a conversation between Feldman, Dickson and the other creatives.
For any theatre-goer who is looking to be mentally challenged and changed about the ongoing big questions we ask ourselves in the twenty-first century, this is the type of theatre you should be watching. As someone who loves the fanciness and frills of big productions and musical theatre, it was a welcoming change to watch something so stripped back and honest.
Swimming is running until the 21st August at The White Bear Theatre, Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4DJ
Review by Isabella Kirkpatrick
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Middle Row | Price of Ticket: £15
