Echo | King's Head Theatre

The premise of Echo is undeniably gripping and has great potential. It’s like something straight out of Black Mirror, cloning our DNA for reproductive purposes and the ethical arguments it produces... completely compelling. However, this production doesn't allow this idea to grow. The play almost feels as if it is flung right at you, with little room for emotional engagement.

Susan Eve Haar has tapped into something very interesting and there are moments that allow the narrative to sail, however, beats feel clunky, meaning any journey trajectory is lost. Abigail Zealey Bess’ direction feels both bold and daring but we miss any sense of being grounded with these characters. The animalistic choreography was impressive in the first moments and enabled bountiful energy but it all feels forced, never quite gripping the audience.

She (Amara Okereke) and He (Kyle Rowe) find themselves in an Airbnb in upstate New York on their 10th anniversary. After what feels like a strange back and forth dance of dangerous fetish attempts to relationship ending arguments between the couple, ‘He’ has found a solution to his partner's depression due to her inability to conceive. A newborn clone is being delivered to them, made directly from the DNA of ‘She’.

Okere does her best with what the script has given her. Her voice is strong and herself, beautiful - she is engaging at points but overall it is all too sporadic for her to indulge in the storyline. Rowe is undeniably striking and has stage presence, but his performance feels flustered, almost discarding any emotion with the intense physicality. Both clearly forceful, energetic actors that perhaps just needed a real sense of emotional grounding.

The new space at the Kings Head Theatre is brilliant and Peiyao Wang’s set design for this production slotted in well. The decor described in said hotel room was accurately depicted and the projections on the wall useful, if a little on the nose. It was a playful space for the two actors to work with. Daniel Carter- Brennan’s lighting design was subtle, working well in moments including the confusing yet poetic ending scene.

Overall, Echo benefits from a deeply interesting and current premise, but the other factors required for engagement unfortunately do not deliver. Described partially as a horror, I was left confused by the plot and delivery of the piece. With a lot of information and character choices that almost felt thrust upon the audience, it is interesting but nevertheless underwhelming.

Echo plays at the King's Head Theatre until 17th August 2025.

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★★☆☆☆ (2*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Lidia Crisafulli