@ CCA, Glasgow, on Sun 4 Oct 2015
To twenty-something Hannah, single life is difficult. The never ending pressure from friends and family to just settle down and have children is putting the weight of the world on her shoulders. And there’s only one way to solve that – Tinder.
Directed by Stewart Schiller, Life is Shrinking is a dark exploration of modern day online dating, starring Julie Martis as single girl Hannah. The piece opens with a heartfelt monologue which is interrupted by a cleverly timed Skype call from Hannah’s mother – a character who we see intermittently throughout the play.
The aesthetics are minimalistic, with very little set design and no costume changes. However, these simplicities allow the audience to focus on narrative and characteristics without distraction.
Simon Devon co-stars in the performance as a variety of characters and although executed well, there were moments of confusion as to which character he was playing at certain times.
Some highlights include a very funny telephone call to NHS 24 when Hannah (who is suffering a psychotic breakdown) is informed to “think positive thoughts” and an unexpected peek at Nick Cave’s fantasy Tinder profile which left the audience in hysterics.
The plot progression was slow and heavily dialogue driven, but credit must be given to any playwright who can cover depression, schizophrenia, divorce and many other important mental health issues in under an hour.
Overall, a well written piece for all lovers of the dark and twisted.