Remembrance Monday

Written by Michael Batten and directed by Alan Souza, Remembrance Monday tells the story of the apparently perfect lives of Julius and Connor who, on the surface, appear to have it all. But all is not what it seems.

Batten has written a cracker of a play that grips the audience from the first line to the last. Couple this with Souza’s fast-paced but sensitive direction and the Seven Dials Playhouse has a wonderful hit on its hands. Jack Weir’s lighting design is exquisite and Sarah Weltman’s soundscape perfectly evokes the necessary atmosphere for this “not quite what it seems” piece.

And the performances that Souza has been able to draw out of the play’s two actors are extraordinary. Nick Hayes’ portrayal of Julius perfectly captures the fragility of a man whose life is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, as the confidence and exuberance of youth are clearly starting to slip away. Hayes’ beautiful movement, incredible strength and genuine angst delivers a Julius who is happy, exuberant, sad and pathetic all in the same breath. A wonderful performance. And he is perfectly matched by the slightly more stoic, down-to-earth but desperately in love portrayal of Connor by Matthew Stathers. Their relationship is totally believable and honest.

This is a tight, exciting, intelligent piece of theatre that I would urge anyone to see. I loved it!

Daryl Bennett