X

Formerly Known

X

by Alistair McDowall

Teddington Theatre Club at the Coward Studio, Hampton Hill Theatre until 15^th March

Review by Heather Moulson

The open space station immediately puts the picture of X into the world of sci-fi.  Fiona Auty’s aptly designed set has a claustrophobic element but a big screen is its focal point, showing a large digital clock, a similar distinction to the TV hit 24.

It doesn’t take us long to discover that these astronauts are on the allegedly barren and hostile planet Pluto.  The digits on the screen show British time from a post-apocalyptic Earth. This is a lifeline to the fragile crew.  Clad in their simple yet strikingly conceived uniforms (Mags Wrightson’s clever costume design) we watch them fall apart, aware of the horror to come. 

Commander Ray, played by Eric Petrossian, is locked in issues with his second-in-command, Ella Ashdown’s Gilda.  Their paranoia has firmly set in.   Even the calming and intelligent presence of Mattie is no consolation.  Kyra Shankar is convincing and sincere in the role, but her projection could be stronger.   Mattie has a good rapport with the vibrant Clark, who provides a welcome element of light relief, a role interpreted by Vincenzo Cirillo with his skilled dancing.  However, Aidan Kidder’s Cole enters with an icier presence, and a biting pitch of brittleness, the strong voice of the doomed … while emphasising that he isn’t the only troubled member.  We look forward to seeing both these actors again in the near future. 

Directed in detail by Hannah Lobley, X is an ambitious production, with effective sound and impressively bold lighting by Patrick Troughton, although the torchlight was slightly overdone.  Betrayal and a volatile presence followed through the play.  Although some scenes are over long, they still carry the impact of terror, as we lose the crew one by one.  Oh, and ghosts, suicide and cancer are also included in this disturbing piece. 

Heather Moulson, March 2025

Photography by Rachel Burnham