Flatmates and best pals Eris and Atlanta could not be more different. Eris works in a pub and has no aspirations other than to settle down and have a big family. Atlanta is doing a Master’s degree and hopes to become a lawyer. She’s single by choice and adamant that she doesn’t want kids. After Eris unexpectedly gets pregnant, both women discover they aren’t as sure of things as they thought they were.
The two-hander, set totally in their flat’s front room, unfolds through short scenes composed of dialogue that’s often a clunky and over-written attempt to check off feminist issues the writer wants to address. Much of the action occurs unseen, but is discussed in granular detail. Because events are revealed by being told about them in the past tense, there’s no clear climax nor a great deal of dramatic action. There are moments of conflict, but these are quickly resolved. Both performers do their best to create a sense of reality so there are some genuinely believable moments peppering the script, but these are scarce, especially in the first half of the play.
The characters are vibrant and detailed however, which somewhat helps to offset the production’s shortcomings. It is also evident that the writer cares deeply about the topics at hand and understands the intense feelings and anxieties that younger 20-something women have about them. Though the characters are considered and convincing and the script is heavy with conviction, it’s not enough to make a well-rounded play.
Jumper Bumps, Gilded Ballon at Appleton Tower, until 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 4.20pm