Review: CAPTURED, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, June 30 2016

Prior to their run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, White Slate Theatre are currently previewing their new show CAPTURED. A two-hander, the writing by Jenna May Hobbs focuses on Isaac and Sophie - estranged five years ago but drawn back to one another in the present. Suzanna Ward directs this exploration of two people who viewed their relationship in a different way; love was undoubtedly there, but was it amplified through a camera lens?

This exposing and intimate piece is built upon unsaid words and a beautiful montage of images harbouring a period of unhappiness and uncertainty. Sophie is Isaac's muse. As a photographer, his work and home life intertwined so when memories and personal moments were disrupted by a camera shutter, Sophie understandably began to feel suffocated. Particularly when she could no longer see herself in the photos anymore. The hour-long performance centres around their meeting five years after Sophie walked out.

Jono Hadlow's set replicates the 1970's dilapidated feel of Sophie's basement apartment. Not even shabby chic, it feels sparse and empty. The lighting is fairly natural throughout with occasional dips in intensity to make way for Alex Powell's projection. The images are stunning but the set as it stands at the moment doesn't quite lend itself practically to this. Also, dialogue often continues through these moments, meaning our focus is torn. The quality of the writing is superb overall. Very occasionally, structurally, the script rushes from one extreme emotion to the other far too quickly, which disrupts the flow at times.

Isaac and Sophie are played by Liam Harkins and Gabrielle Nellis-Pain respectively. Both are exceptional at drawing an audience in. Being in such close proximity to the audience, their every movements are exposed and neither leave the stage for the full hour. Harkins shows Isaac's desperation and longing for Sophie clearly and as a viewer, you are surprisingly sympathetic over his ignorance to why Sophie left. He genuinely does not see how his actions contributed to her leaving and this is entirely believable. Nellis-Pain is an exciting talent and her characterisation is deep and truthful. There is an internal struggle throughout over her feelings, even now, for Isaac, and her thought processes are very clear.

Although still in its Early Stages of production, Captured is jam-packed full of potential. It is thought-provoking, engaging and emotional. With a few tweaks, this will be an exceptional piece of theatre.

Captured plays at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 2 July, then York Theatre Royal Studio on Saturday 16 July and will be at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from 4-28 August 2016.