Cold Water

May 20, 2024

14th May – 1st June 2024

There are few things as universal as a classroom. You could be in Hounslow, Hereford, or in the case of Cold Water, Harpenden, yet everyone will recognise it in some way. That’s one of the many things Cold Water, which is written and directed by Philippa Lawford and running at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park until 1 June, gets spot on. The following 75 minutes promise to be funny, tender, and relatable.

The environment of the classroom is created in a very simple way: there are notice boards with colourful borders, laminated pieces of paper stuck on the wall with blue tack, a poster about staging, and a white board. The clutter on Matt’s (Jolyon Coy) desk is a nice touch, as were the Pret cups, and the audience was able to fill in the gaps with their own experience.

While the set was simple, the immediate chemistry between Matt and Emma (Julia Pilkington) was not.

“I’m sure that each and every one of you will be able to relate to both Emma and Matt in some way, and will benefit from a very enjoyable and perfectly executed piece of theatre.”

Emma has recently graduated from the University of Glasgow, and as she figures out what to do next, she gets a job in her old school. All she really wants to be is an actor, so it makes sense that she starts spending a lot of time in the drama studio.

On the contrary, Matt’s been there, done that. He spent the majority of his twenties trying and failing to be an actor, as his contemporaries got their big breaks, so he chose the next best thing: teaching.

As the play progresses, the way in which their relationship develops is staggering. At the start, they’re nervous around each other. By the end they’re cracking jokes, drinking Prosecco and arguing passionately, in a way only those who are comfortable around each other can.

While their chemistry was remarkable, the way in which their different life stages were presented was also done very well. Emma is young and giggly, but very nervous. The strange reality of being in your early twenties is also addressed as they point out how you can be living your best life at 21, and lost and directionless by 22. Matt, however, is married, self-assured, and preoccupied with trying for a baby with his wife.

All of these emotions were cemented through the running theme of Chekhov’s The Seagull, the play which they work on together, and the poignant way in which it mirrors their story is an interesting touch. As is the piano music, which gracefully fused each scene together, while also allowing the audience a moment to ponder the previous scene.

If you have the chance, and 75 minutes to spare over the next few days, I highly recommend you head over to Park Theatre. I’m sure that each and every one of you will be able to relate to both Emma and Matt in some way, and will benefit from a very enjoyable and perfectly executed piece of theatre

Maggie John