This Bitter Earth | Soho Theatre

‘With all the darkness going on in the world, you can look, but don’t stare.’ Not a line recited in this play but a quote I remembered from a random interview I stumbled upon with RuPaul. However, I think if anything could encapsulate the message of This Bitter Earth, it would be this.

Harrison David Rivers’ writing captures so much heart, the loving relationship between the two leads Jesse and Neil is palpable. Perhaps a little confusing in terms of the ordering of the scenes seeming partially chronological, but no energy or message is lost. Directed by the incomparable Billy Porter, energy simply radiates out. Porter’s direction is succinct and intimate with both actors walking through the audience and down the aisles; he uses the space of the Soho Theatre with skill, allowing a response from the audience.

We meet Jesse and Neil, a couple in their late 20’s exploring the dynamics of their relationship. Jesse, a black playwright with a contemplative nature, and Neil an outspoken White Black Lives Matter activist, we watch as their opinions collide. ‘Take care of your blessings’ stated by Jesse in the first moments is lit across the stage in lights and becomes a beacon and pivotal message of the show as it unravels.

The play proceeds to ask timely questions, exploring the issues of race and class and is fundamentally brilliant in doing so. The play dissects the socio-economic differences present for us all, yet it amazed me that I related to moments that I didn’t think I could.

Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln shine as Jesse and Neil and have unbridled chemistry. Douglas gives a beautiful performance full of passion and charm, with moments of fear creeping through which is riveting. Lincoln embodies Neil’s privileged yet deeply caring persona with great confidence, he is stark and opinionated but when cracks start to show, his nuanced, tender side reveals itself which is a welcome juxtaposition. The argumentative scenes between the couple could be deemed too shouty and forced in moments, but given the vignette structure of the play I feel the shifts in energy are welcome.

‘I think that you should be you and I should be me and we’ll just.. fill in the gaps for each other’... this line landed beautifully and feels fitting not only to describe the relationship of Jesse and Neil but the support felt between Douglas and Lincoln onstage, without their committed connection the show wouldn’t have landed in such a way, which is also credit to Porter’s direction.

Lee Curran’s lighting design balances well with Morgan Large’s set. The interior design of their flat with the sliding door aligns with the rest of the stage perfectly and creates a sense of gliding scene to scene, stylishly executed. Lighting shifts and changes land well and aid the narrative, especially the harsh yellow signifying an event and the news articles along the walls. All technical aspects work in harmony amongst each other and importantly never take away from the intimacy of the story.

When a play meets its final pages, you can often find the ‘this is what I have learnt and this is what I know now’ monologue, I see it time and time again as a way to wrap up any loose ends. But this production completely earns this, it’s beautifully justified and doesn’t feel conclusive, simply acknowledging the present moment. A stark reminder that it is better to have loved and lost than not loved at all throughout all our experiences.

Funny, profound and deeply moving, This Bitter Earth is London’s theatre at its finest.

This Bitter Earth runs at Soho Theatre until 26th July 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Tristram Kenton