Recently seen at Brighton Fringe, Two Come Home is playing a limited run at The King's Head Theatre in London as part of this year’s Camden Fringe. Joe Eason not only stars in the piece but is playwright, composer and designer. Read on to find out more about why Eason has accomplished something truly special with the piece.
Two Come Home is set in the Deep South of America, with the main narrative being a love story between Evan (Joe Eason) and Jimmy (Ben Maytham). Recently released from prison, Evan works three jobs including performing cover songs at the local bar. He now has his own place and seemingly has everything he needs, except a partner. This is when his ex Jimmy walks back into his life after many years losing touch. What plays out is their rekindled romance within the dynamics of a broken family.
With an element of ‘Brokeback Mountain’ to the piece, it feels strangely familiar, yet new and undiscovered. Eason has managed to craft a script that induces genuine fear for the characters involved, yet hope for the future. With a running time of 80 minutes, this feels the perfect amount of time to explore the complex narrative of those involved. It’s hard to divulge the twist and turns that make this piece unique without spoiling it, but as the audience are so caught up in the genuine emotion of the piece you don’t see what’s coming.
The entire cast give strong, believable performances with Eason the obvious stand out. The character of Evan couldn’t be played by anyone other than him, as he displays the development of the troubled soul perfectly. As if being a talented actor and playwright wasn’t enough, he also plays the guitar and has a beautiful tender voice as Evan sings an original song regarding his past. Eason also composed the music that is an accompaniment during the piece which worked brilliantly. Cam Southcott (violin), Elizabeth Cleone Hopland (cello) and Kirsten Obank-Sharpe (vocals) were integral to the piece, feeling as authentic as it did. Eason has an abundance of talent and this is surely only the beginning of a very successful career.
Opposite Eason, Maytham also gives a solid impressive performance as Jimmy. Intimacy Director Marina Cusi Sanchez’s work shone with the pair as we rooted for them as the story progressed, their chemistry undeniable and seemingly genuine throughout. It is also welcomed and appreciated to see representation of gay relationships that don’t solely focus on young and thin men, as it all too often seems to be the case. Queer love comes in all shapes, sizes and this play represents that greatly. As Evan’s dysfunctional parents, Nicola Goodchild (Amy) and James Burton (Caleb) both deliver over the top performances that bring an edge and grit to the piece. As a collective, the cast work well and work hard throughout.
Two Come Home is an intense and gripping new piece of theatre. With Eason at the helm, the undeniable talent of the supporting cast and musicians, this piece of queer love and drama feels special. Two Come Home runs at the King's Head Theatre until 18th August - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by JR Dawson
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