Two young military men fall in love while serving in Soviet-occupied Estonia - if found out, the expression of their love could have serious consequences. We follow their story as they grapple with great risk for the sake of great reward.
Unfortunately, this production's takeaway feeling is underwhelming. The story itself doesn't touch on anything especially unique that hasn't been told before, but this is not necessarily the mark of disappointing theatre. However, the performance itself does little to connect us to the characters and draw us into the action.
It is difficult to determine the quality of Richard Hough's writing due to the performance of it - certainly, there are some brilliantly witty lines that aren't given their appropriate delivery, and perhaps real potential for poignancy that is lost. But the plot also moves at such a fast pace that few emotional foundations are built for a later payoff. Moreover, some plot points feel uncomfortably forced (like the Colonel who instinctively knows about Roman and Sergey's affair, the marriage that was announced out of nowhere, and Roman's sudden decision to join the Afghanistan mission). It would also be lovely to feel that the Firebird metaphor (or even music) was threaded through the story rather than sporadically mentioned.
Overall, direction feels sorely lacking. Acting performances generally fall a little flat, and none of the characters have much depth - certainly, in Nigel Hastings' case (portraying the uptight Colonel who clearly has secrets of his own that are barely touched on), this does not feel like a lack of talent but rather creative direction. Perhaps with a more involved creative process, we might have been able to connect more with these characters.
There is, disappointingly, no chemistry between our two leads, and we don't feel the tension that is clearly intended. Having said that, it is refreshing to see no punches pulled when it comes to showcasing queer love on stage, and the scenes of passion between the two would be very welcome if we believed in their love and desire for one another.
While the set design works in situ, scene changes feel incredibly clunky and distracting, and Clancy Flynn's lighting is simple, but largely effective.
Perhaps a play that with some development could be a potent force, Firebird runs at King's Head Theatre until 9th February.
Review: Penny Lane Photo: Geraint Lewis