Harmony | White Bear Theatre

Harmony is the first production from Grub Street Theatre Company and is undeniably a strong and impressive debut. With three actors completely committed with a sharp and prominent script from Sam Thorpe-Spinks, himself also starring as Simon, it was clear from the first moments that we were in good hands. The actors are fluid onstage, structured yet with a sense of being free which is credit to Noah Marullo’s direction. The play explores the realities of technology infiltrating our lives, our day to day decision making and what that can mean for our relationships, all the while disastrous climate shifts are happening that are out of our control.

Thorpe-Spinks and Isla Lee’s chemistry is palpable as we see their relationship evolve, perfectly encapsulating those early stages of love and attraction between Simon and Elsa. Both actors shine in their roles. Lee is graceful, self assured yet beautifully vulnerable in the closing scenes. Thorpe-Spinks is a charming blend of confident yet playful, a pleasure to watch, capturing a lovable character but with just the right amount of uncertainty placed for us to question Simon at times, given his commitment to a relationship therapy bot ‘Harmony’ played by Ross Carswell. Carswell’s voice work is stunning, his dulcet tones filling the space with a sufficient and effective amount of interactions to connect him to Simon and Elsa, the ending scenes with Elsa being very powerful.

The White Bear Theatre is a space that can leave room for scrutiny but this production holds itself well minus a few eye-line issues. Mim Houghton’s set design is intimate and enables the narrative to grow with effective sound and lighting from Sam Levy and Ben Sharp. The use of the whale puppets was welcomed by the audience, beautifully designed by Bobby Cliff.

Overall, Harmony is a brilliant production with great debut’s from both cast members and creatives to behold. It’s haunting to explore into future years and address what that may look like for us all, but the play does this with both humour and intimacy whilst still acknowledging the ugly parts of ourselves and our lives, with technology both helping and hindering our experience.

Harmony plays at the White Bear Theatre until 31st May 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review