Review: MERIT, Finborough Theatre, March 04 2016

In this time of austerity, Alexandra Wood offers up Merit, a neat two-hander about the effects of both wealth and poverty on morality, questioning what merits real action.

Sofia, a fresh-faced graduate, walks straight into a well-paid gig, assisting highflying, filthy rich banker, Antonio. All seems well, if only her fellow millennials were so lucky. Sofia's best friend is unemployed and it's not long before her mother Patricia questions why she got her break.

The conflict is rife from the start and both Ellie Turner and Karen Ascoe give as good as they get. Despite a hopeful beginning, sadly the writing does feel a little repetitive at times. Perhaps stifled as a two-hander, scenes consist of arguments that often go round in circles, taking some time before surprising again. However, the play ends with some interesting turns, including a rather startling transformation into the depths of extremism.

The relationship between mother and daughter, born in vastly different ages, is a strong central idea and the play touches upon many topical issues. This is a play of debate, not action, and Wood uses these characters as a voice to some weighty arguments and intelligent questions. To whom do we owe our support? When many are suffering, can we truly help? Is it selfish to succeed? It's certainly enjoyable to watch these ladies fight it out and Merit is bound to keep you thinking long after blackout.

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