Having originally premiered at the National Theatre, before going on to win awards, as well as critical acclaim, in the West End, on tour, and on Broadway, Duncan MacMillan’s People, Places & Things returns to the West End with a run at the Trafalgar Theatre, with original director Jeremy Herrin once again at the helm.
Also returning to the production is Denise Gough who is exquisite in this visceral and uncompromising play which takes an unflinching look at the realities of addiction, and charts just how difficult the road to recovery can be.
People, Places & Things is the story of Emma (Gough), an actress struggling with her life and career due to her dependency on drugs and alcohol. Gough’s portrayal, which won the Olivier Award in 2016, is mesmerising, shifting effortlessly between despair and moments of dark humour. Gough is on stage throughout the performance and the energy never once drops.
Macmillan’s script is equally impressive, intertwining Emma’s past and present through addiction rehabilitation techniques. The majority of the play is set within a rehab facility, and even in a relatively large theatre the confined nature of the setting is amplified through a combination of a smaller than usual set, and on stage seating.
The narrative jumps around a little, giving us a glimpse into the disconcerting and confusing world of addiction. But it’s not just the Emma character that is affected, her parents, and the residents and staff, of the facility all feature too.
Sinéad Cusack flexes her acting muscles taking on three distinct roles, including Emma’s therapist as well as her mother. It’s a clever way of showing how Emma sees her own family and the disappointment she feels. Malachi Kirby is another standout in the role of Mark, a fellow addict who pushes Emma to her limits in order to help her rebuild her life.
Director Jeremy Herrin’s production manages to feel immersive, and not just for those sitting on stage, the minimalist set works hard creating the world that Emma is living in, while Andrzej Goulding’s multimedia projections further complement this.
People, Places & Things is a powerfully important piece of theatre. Denise Gough’s performance alone makes this show an unforgettable experience, but combined with innovative staging and a strong ensemble cast, it’s unmissable.
