A Million Miles Under Hampstead Heath Review
Until 10th November 2024
A solitary white bench sits centre stage. A well-dressed woman enters, blue chambray shirt and sand coloured chinos with a smart belt. We realise she is on a Northern Line tube station waiting for the next train from the announcements. A young man, fresh from The City, dressed in smart trousers and white shirt with a black rucksack joins her on stage and they take turns in telling the audience how they met. We learn their names as the play progresses – Maya (Anna Hewitt) and James (George Prentice). The book that Maya is reading is a talking point: Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, which James then proceeds to read to try and impress her. A tragedy in Maya’s life brings them closer and James plucks up the courage to ask Maya out for a drink.
“A Million Miles Under Hampstead Heath is a beautiful love story that already feels like a classic”
The next 55 minutes or so span the highs and lows of their relationship. It is a simple premise but, my goodness, so effective. They both draw you in. They have genuine chemistry and you believe they might actually be a couple. Prentice plays the hapless James to great effect, and just when you think this might be his all, switches to apathetic and heartless towards any kind of mental health issues that Maya might be suffering, only concerned with whether or not she is paying her way. Hewitt is captivating. Her ability to afford your complete attention is second to none, and she takes you on an emotional journey from a girl you might believe has it all, to a vulnerable young woman with PTSD trying to be unachievabley perfect.
A Million Miles Under Hampstead Heath is a beautiful love story that already feels like a classic. Move over Richard Curtis, Nina Fuentes is in town. As Nothing Theatre’s debut production, the whole team should be very proud. A stunning script, incredible actors and simple set create a perfect piece of theatre. Bravo.
Written and Directed by Nina Fuentes
Rhea Shepherd
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