Riveting, but eerie, Sycamore Grove grips its audience from the moment they enter the theatre. Within the remains of an old church, the feelings of discomfort and apprehension never quite alleviate throughout the performance, and I stayed unnerved until the very end.
Bedlam acts as the perfect backdrop for this suburban horror, which focuses on power and greed, and the lengths ordinary people will go to satisfy their desires. Performed by the talented Slainte! Theatre, the performance artfully mixes horror with more serious themes, like addiction and manipulation.
Shying away from more classical themes within the horror genre, the scaredy-cats amongst you (me included) will be happy to find that Sycamore Grove avoids cheap attempts to frighten the audience with jump scares, and instead takes advantage of music and acting. For much of the performance, I remained on the edge of my seat.
Sycamore Grove is a production that sticks with you. The twists and turns (some you may predict, others you most definitely won’t) are poignant. This is a play that has something to say.
Beyond the plot and the set, the acting is phenomenal; few words can describe the ability of the performers to evoke so much emotion from their audience in only an hour. I was in the privileged position to sit front row, and if you plan to see it yourself – that’s the seat I’d recommend. But I’m certain the people who sat behind me, in this small and intimate venue, were just as immersed.
Evocative of the kitchen sink drama, Sycamore Grove felt like a window into another life, and an insight into the potential of these performers. If you don’t manage to catch one of their shows this Fringe, keep your ears and eyes peeled – I’m sure they’ll be back, and I for one can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
Sycamore Grove is running until August 11th at Bedlam Theatre.
Buy tickets here.
Image by Marshall Stay for use by The Student.
