The play Crocodile Fever, which had its world premiere in 2019 at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, returns to the Arcola Theatre with some surprises.
Crocodile Fever, directed by Mehmet Ergen, is about two sisters who, after being apart for a long time, reunite one night in the 1980s.
In the story, Fianna (Meghan Tyler) literally breaks into their childhood home, where her sister Alannah (Rachael Rooney) is still residing and taking care of their father.
Both sisters are forced to face their pasts and accept change as old secrets and traumas come to light during their conversations.
The Arcola has transformed its layout for this show, featuring two sides of the stage that depict a working-class house in Northern Ireland.
An intense and cramped atmosphere is created by a kitchen with a cross-decorated fireplace that is full of memories. We can watch the scene as if we were flies on the wall thanks to this setup.
I felt like I was in a prologue for the first fifteen minutes of the show, but it gradually picked up speed and intensity.
Even though Meghan Tyler wrote Crocodile Fever with passion, some tender, compelling, and brave moments seem a little underworked. The characters’ relationship with their father (Stephen Kennedy) was occasionally portrayed in a confusing manner due to the hurried pacing, which may have been done to keep a humorous rhythm.
The set and stage design were precisely what the show needed, effectively displaying themes of destruction as the sisters progressed through their journey. This set not only added visual interest but also mirrored the emotional turmoil experienced by the sisters, creating a powerful backdrop for their development, reflecting the evolving identities and struggles of the characters.
Fianna, portrayed by Meghan Tyler, could be a fascinating character. However, I feel that their storyline didn’t fully explore their depth and richness.
While Tyler composed a well-defined character in their play, I felt their performance could have introduced more complexity.
Rachael Rooney’s portrayal of Alannah was captivating. Her embodiment of the character featured an inspiring inner rhythm that created a touching connection with themes of composure and dreams — it was truly mesmerising.
The show is delightfully gory (in the best possible way), blending humour with dark, absurd moments that are both entertaining and shocking. Its narrative is compelling and passionate, driven by strong themes and characters. However, at times it stumbles dramatically, placing excessive emphasis on its design, aesthetics, and overall atmosphere. This often overshadows the most essential element of storytelling: the depth and complexity of its characters.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
