Sarah Thomas’ new provocative play, Sublime, came to the stage of the Tristan Bates Theatre last night for its Press Night. The dark comedy thriller, directed by Ben SantaMaria, plays for four nights this April.
Estranged siblings, Sophie and Sam, are reunited when Sophie makes an unexpected return – but is Sam willing to help save her bacon? Following a heist gone wrong in Corsica during her absence, Sophie plays on her special bond with her brother to implore him to help her pay off her debts. How? Three jobs in four days. Ambitious. But will Sam’s seemingly smitten coupledom get in the way of reigniting their crime duo?
Performed in two acts, the first can at times feel a little slow, which at times felt a bit frustrating, making it difficult to lose one’s self in the story, but it picks up considerably in the second act.
Adele Oni steals the show, and should be commended for the subtle way she brings to life the special bond between her character, Sophie, and brother, Sam – particularly in the second half. Though you’re left wanting something more from the first half, the raw emotions both Oni and Michael Fatogun, playing Sam, demonstrate in the second half, won’t fail to draw in the audience.
SantaMaria’s use of lighting, costumes and space, will make you forget you’re in a small understated theatre, bringing you closer to the characters and the plot. The simplistic staging brings focus to the interesting dynamics between the characters, which is particularly prevalent with the unexpected twist at close of play leaving you wanting answers to several questions.
Sublime plays at the Tristan Bates theatre until Saturday 8th April, and is one of three plays written by writer Sarah Thomas.
