Weer | Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Weer is a howlingly good time and Natalie Palamides is a powerful performer, both in her physicality and her comedic timing.

Weer’s main hook is that Natalie, who has a background in clowning and improv, plays both characters simultaneously. Half her body is Mark - the lazy and charming male character, and the other half is Christina - the motivated and whiney female character. This show is their love story - a love story told through every rom-com trope imaginable.

While the hook itself seems intriguing, Natalie’s ability to play both characters all by herself on stage is mesmerising. When you watch this, you know you’re watching a polished professional. Yet, there is still something so impulsive and edgy about Natalie that makes sure the show doesn’t feel too slick. Perhaps it’s the audience participation, which is still incredibly funny even in the very large and new Soho Theatre Walthamstow venue. Perhaps it’s the quick quips and changing of lines, based on audience reaction. Or perhaps it’s the fact that Natalie takes this show through every aspect of a messy 90s rom-drom - including some very raunchy scenes - all by herself.

The show follows the story of Mark and Christina’s 3 year relationship, which starts off with a whirlwind meet-cute, rocky patches with potential cheating, and even a look into the future of what their love will be like when they are old and grey. But all of these flashbacks and forwards are based on this one dramatic moment - a potential break-up and a sudden car accident. All thanks to the damned weer crossing the road!

Telling a typical 90s rom-drom story risks being boring and stale. But Natalie’s performance is anything but. Her physical prowess is jaw-dropping at times (think a passionate and more professional version of the solo makeouts you used to pretend to have). But more importantly, it’s amazing to watch how much charisma she has with herself.

This kind of chemistry is so hard to achieve even between two actors; how is it possible to have this much chemistry between two characters who are being played by one person? Natalie manages to achieve that throughout, and it’s pure theatrical and clowning magic to see on stage.

If there is only one criticism to be had, it’s that this kind of piece could struggle to fill this large of a venue. Soho Theatre Walthamstow has finally opened its doors and has Weer as the debut performance. While the new theatre is beautiful and staggeringly large (think classic West End venue size) - Weer does feel like it would be better enjoyed in a more intimate space. I especially felt for the people in the balcony seats, as I wondered how much of the show they felt included in, with audience participation happening very far away, and watching a show with little by way of set or lighting.

However, I also don’t entirely think that criticism is fair, as I feel strongly that Fringe theatre and Fringe artists shouldn’t have to limit themselves to small spaces of 100 seats or less. Professionals like Natalie deserve bigger spaces to perform in, and I wonder if this is the start of even grander things for her at this venue.

Either way, Weer is a hilarious journey of love that has gone - not wrong, but definitely not picture perfect. While there wasn’t much by way of political messaging, it does feel like Weer is commenting on heavily co-dependent relationships, particularly with the montage scenes of every breakup, only to end with the threat of suicide every time.

These heavier topics are still incredibly funny, and by the end, the gun use is cartoonish and outrageous. If you enjoy absurd humour, you’ll be howling by the end like I was.

Mark and Christina have stuck with me now, and I will think of them fondly. Not because they are in any way a unique couple, but because of the way Natalie made them so real, despite knowing full well they were only half of what they could be.

Weer runs at Soho Theatre Walthamstow until Saturday 10th May 2025.

★★★★★ (5*)

Tickets and More Information

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Harry Elletson