REVIEW: Snowflakes at The Park Theatre

‘Snowflake’ … either a term for a piece of snow with an Intricate design, or an insult to those easily offended. Whatever you associate it with, Robert Boulton’s societal statement ‘Snowflakes’ comes packing a punch, woke and all. 

In a world influenced by social media, contract killers Marcus (Robert Boulton) and Sarah (Louise Hoare) are tasked with the job to eradicate the offensive to appease the offended. An interview that ends with a life-or-death vote determines the outcome. The newest interviewee, disgraced writer Anthony Leaf (Henry Davis) is standing trial for crimes accused. 

With the help of a modernised set, a simple yet effective hotel room from the designer (Alys Whitehead) helps to add to the current time frame and allows us to feel we’re watching a show that could very well be set this very day. Along with modern costumes, it all adds to the current societal age. 

The trio each gives a commanding performance, they all share moments to show off the work as a team but equally, give a riveting solo performance. Davis is superb in giving us a performance that makes him likeable but for all the wrong reasons, Boulton (as well as writing) is engrossing as Marcus, we constantly wait in anticipation as to his next move. Finally Hoare and her performance of Sarah. A character that grows and excels as the show goes on until the final shocking twist. 

With society today, this feels like the perfect piece of theatre to perform. It attacks the stereotypes and addresses the issues at hand, yet does so in a comical and also thought-provoking way. You laugh as Anthony bemoans the killers for their immorality within the line of work, yet also questions the morality that’s led him to this situation. 

It’s very thought-provoking, as mentioned earlier. We watch and laugh along but also question what and why we’re laughing at. ‘We’re the first generation raised on the internet’ is a damming quote used in the show that registers immediately and leaves us thinking about the detrimental effects of the world we live in.

Director Michael Cottrell, combined with Boulton’s writing, has created and staged a clever and enlightening show that makes you think with everything at the touch of a button, the swipe of a finger and the click of a mouse, is this a night at the theatre or a lesson with a bigger message.

Review by George Butler

Rating: ★★★★