The play, boasting a run time of around 3 hours interval included, follows mother Audrey, husband Paul, and daughter Zara as they move from the bustling streets of London to the quaint rural town in which Audrey grew up. Navigating the loss of Audrey’s son James alongside the culture shock of their move, conflict breeds as old friends resurface, bombshells are dropped, and fresh faces wonder whether they will become allies or enemies of the formidable family. Seeded with themes of love, loss, and class divides, Albion packs the turbulent dichotomy between preservation of the past and blossoming of the future into the crumbling country grounds of an historical English home. The stage is set with an array of hand-made props which contextualise the performance without drawing from it, each actor bringing their own spark of life to the garden of Albion which dwindles as relationships decay and dreams are grounded in reality.
Central figure Audrey, a strong-willed and tightly-wound businesswoman, is expertly embodied by Ruby Chick. Audrey’s grapples with the preservation of her past and the traditions of the town she has recently re-inhabited are encompassed so powerfully in Chick’s commanding performance that we instantly empathise both with her and the characters she ultimately alienates. Another polished performance, Emma Hotchkin’s mysterious and complex author Katherine draws the eye simply by sauntering across the stage, her intelligent mystique transfixing audience members and characters alike. Both actresses have incredible stage presence and the rising tension between the two is electric.
No performance is weak in this powerful piece, each character feeling whole and complete, believable in their stories, experiences, and developing identities. Whether it be through impressively delivered monologues or perfectly timed comedic quips, the tale of Albion has more than come to life through this newcomer cast, supported by an equally skilful and dedicated crew. Rounded off with a satisfyingly unresolved ending and peppered with tantalising cliffhangers, the play never ceases to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats. Whatever the cast and crew of Albion choose to create throughout the blossoming of their undoubtedly bright careers, I’m sure you’ll be truly riveted - I know I am.
