Issy Cory
Holly and Alex get together after breaking Jake’s heart (Holly’s ex-boyfriend, Alex’s work colleague) and they embark on the journey towards lesbian motherhood. Alongside Holly’s involvement in climate-change activism group Extinction Rebellion, their relationship becomes tumultuous.
Alex is initially unsure about her girlfriend’s view on action against climate change, however soon comes around to the idea and even gets stuck into a logistical role at XR. When Holly gets pregnant, she feels her identity begin to shake, and Alex can only watch as their baby grows along with problems in their relationship.
The interweaving of the challenges of pregnancy with the overwhelming threat of climate change is a concept that has serious substance. Holly’s dilemma over bringing someone into a world that she doesn’t agree with, without having any direct influence on positive change, is a perspective shared by many. The weight of this decision is felt throughout the room, and reverberates out into our society as a whole.
The lights remain unchanged throughout this 75-minute story. We move from scene to scene with a record scratch, or breath paired with movement that pushes the characters to another part of the stage. As a result, there is little to distinguish each environmental or temporal shift, putting all the pressure on the actors.
It is fair to say that the production elements of Me For You take a back seat. The stage is empty, and there are no props. As we launch so swiftly into exposition, it becomes hard to envisage what world these characters belong to. We find ourselves in a bit of a limbo.
Pacing, however, is swift. We move from pregnancy scans, to mock ‘Lessons on Conception’, to standing outside of a police station waiting for Alex to emerge, begrudging the fact that Holly coerced her into being physically involved in an XR action. Our attention is held purely through the sheer number of scenes, and how speedily we tick through them.
Our shining star is Elizabeth Hope. Every element of the production pales in comparison to her unrelenting energy. Hope is slick and believable as the supportive girlfriend, carrying us with her into the tender corners of the narrative. Her portrayal of Alex also allows the comedic points of the script to surface, delivering punchlines with wit and brilliant timing.
Recommended Drink: Whatever is most eco-friendly… water?
You can catch Me For You at Pleasance Courtyard – The Green from Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-26 at 18:00. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Jake Mace
