The Terminal Velocity Of Snowflakes
Live Theatre Newcastle
Thursday 23rd November 2017
Written by Nina Berry
Directed by Graeme Thompson
Designed by Luke W. Robson
Such was the emotive power and magic of The Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes that when leaving the theatre last night I felt that I hadn't just watched a play, but instead had witnessed and been part of a spiritual existential event.
It describes itself as a story of fate friendship and snowflakes, what it means to grow up, fall in love and how the tiniest seemingly insignificant detail can change eternity, or maybe not.
Taking my seat before the show started was like walking into a beautiful winter wonderland, the stage a semicircle of pure white background and a ceiling made up of gorgeous big snowflakes with lights in the middle of each. They was used to great effect when all the lights first shone. Such a strong bright warm glow that felt as though it was sucking you in and transporting you to a different world for a moment
The tale is of a boy and a girl. Charlie (played by Daniel Watson) and Rosie (played by Heather Carroll) Two years separates their ages and tells of their lives from youth to old age and from Trafalgar Square to Chillingham Road. Through brilliantly delivered dialogue throughout, the story starts from them being young children in a local park in the snow. They have not met each other yet and are playing at catching snowflakes on the tongue and sledging. We hear them talk of innocence and wonder. Then to their teens where topics turn to alcohol and alcoholism, loneliness, swearing, fingering (or not as the case may be) what's their place in the world?
In their 20s the world of work and constantly being late for, university and lectures. Clubbing, one night stand, lots of sex or none for months, friendships and being let down.
The stories of Charlie and Rosie are told with elements of realism, poignancy and at times great humour I could see people nodding their heads in a yes I know all about that as the ups and downs of life are mentioned. Their lives are in parallel to each other even when they aren't together, as well as the occasions that their paths cross. First time as children in the park, and in their 20s when once again their eyes meet. They recognise each other and they share their first kiss….. and more. Afterwards Rosie goes to walk away, starts having doubts. What if no other moment can ever be as perfect as the one they just shared. What if…?
….Love, getting engaged, married, having children, becoming grandparents, divorce, jealousy getting old, hip replacements. Different ages and stages of their lives are thrown into their conversation in a series of what ifs? What would...could their paths be?
This play draws you in immediately and doesn't let go. It is a credit to the writer and the two actors who for a solid 80 minutes take us on this wonderful journey to the point that I, along with the people I went to see this with, felt like we’d been through an emotional mangle by the end. Could see the audience wiping their eyes afterwards it was that powerful.
Of course to the snowflake in the title. The awesome theory that no two snowflakes can ever be identical. That they are formed and shaped by external factors and influences on their journey
This play is not to be missed. It is truly brilliant, life affirming and life wondering. It will certainly stay with me for a long time
It runs until Saturday 16th December
Belinda Bekki-Winter
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