BWW Reviews: EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON, Broadway Studio Theatre, May 2nd 2014

The threat of global warming and natural disasters are constantly thrust upon us in the news everyday. We know that one day our homes could be taken from us by an earthquake, tsunami, or a tornado, and yet we, in England especially, all still live our lives, happy as ever, like nothing will happen...

Mike Bartlett's 'Earthquakes in London' embraces the reality of such events occurring and becoming life threatening now. We are very much part of a generation that believes that global threatening events won't affect us in our lifetime. Bartlett takes us back to 1968 and forward to 2525. On this roller coaster journey it quickly becomes apparent that our 'normal' and quaint lives will not stop the path of nature.

With its fast paced and exhilarating twists and turns this play is an account of life, love and family; and how this can all be tested with the prospect of death and destruction. Adam 'Bo' Boland directs this fast paced and inventive production. Its intimate location and unique staging makes it impossible not to be drawn into all of the music and action. Boland's cast is amongst the strongest and most talented I have ever seen in a play. The three sisters take the lead with the action; Freya (Sarah Savage), a pregnant confused woman who is sister to the teenage rebel Jasmine (Natalie Law) and the politician Sarah (Ursula Campbell). Savage's performance was all in all breathtakingly truthful and heartbreaking. Law brought a thrilling sense of light relief to the stage, which was needed in such an emotionally heavy piece of theatre, whilst Campbell portrayed the businesswoman with a difficult family life. The cast and creative team have truly succeeded in bringing Bartlett's inventive writing to life, the ambitious energy in this production is so irresistible you might want to sit through this three-hour show again and again to truly take in all of the twists and turns.

Amongst the dark reality of what the show reveals it is miraculous to say that there are numerous hilarious moments that give an air of relief. This play will have your cheeks hurting from laughing and then suddenly at the edge of your seat in tears. Prepare to be entertained in every way possible, whilst leaving your seat at the end with a bit of nervous fear for what will happen to London and your home in the future.

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