It's not often that cast and principal creatives appear on the same stage. But Spiral has that rare distinction with author Abigail Hood starring alongside director Kevin Tomlinson. This new production follows an initial run at the Park Theatre in 2018 and has now earned a revival at the Jermyn Street Theatre.
Spiral tells the story of two relationships; one wrecked by trauma and the other defined by controlling behaviour. Gill and Tom (Rebecca Crankshaw and Jasper Jacob) are a couple still coming to terms with the disappearance of their 14-year-old daughter. Tom seeks solace in the company of escort Leah (Abigail Hood). She soon becomes a surrogate daughter to Tom; but Leah's boyfriend Mark (Kevin Tomlinson) has other ideas. He sends Leah out as an escort but is strangely jealous of her getting too close to clients. Gill is frustrated by Tom's apparent fixation with Leah. He sees the relationship as nothing more than a coping mechanism and is able to communicate with Leah in ways he can’t with his wife. But Gill senses it will have implications for his job as a school teacher. Mark sees Leah as a meal ticket and controls her very existence. She is desperate to get away from him but seems to be trapped in a spiral.
It's a solidly written piece that draws strong performances from the cast. The plotting is smart and intricate as the two couples become inextricably linked. The exchanges between Gill and Tom are frequently belligerent and heart-rending. Like many couples in their position, the shared trauma doesn’t necessarily draw them together; it only succeeds in driving them apart. They live in a twilight world without resolution. There is no room to grieve nor can hope of a happy ending be abandoned. There is a chilling ring of truth in their relationship and the human condition Is well captured. However, the one real weak spot is the need to shock particularly where Leah and Mark are concerned. Explicit dialogue isn’t necessary when the surrounding circumstances already make the context clear. The portrayal of an abusive relationship shouldn’t require such blatant signposting. Moreover, coercive control won’t always be this obvious and Mark verges on caricature at times. That aside it remains a consistent and engaging play.Review by Brian Penn
Rating: ★★★
Seat: E7 | Price of Ticket: £35/£31 concessions
