There’s less Quasimodo and more Quasi-oh-no in Daisy Hall’s somewhat uneven belltower-based exploration of climate catastrophe in England’s green and pleasant back garden. A couple of able performances keep the drama moving, but the blend of whimsical humour, and bleak philosophical inquiry lead to some tonal imbalance.
The blend of whimsical humour, and bleak philosophical inquiry lead to some tonal imbalance
In an apocalyptic near future flood waters rise and mushrooms threaten to overwhelm the land and a couple of friends have been tasked with ringing the bells in the town church tower. A storm is approaching and despite all evidence to the contrary, the remaining people in their village believe that ringing the bells will cause the devastating tempest to dissipate. The titular bellringers are less convinced.
The cynical and slightly neurotic Clement (Luke Rollason) and hearty Aspinall (Paul Adeyefa) banter about life and death amidst the apocalypse as they nervously await the thunderhead. Rollason and Adeyefa have an easy chemistry that makes these interactions enjoyable enough, although the script never quite manages to portray the weight of impending doom which would imbue the whole thing with a bit more dramatic power.
As the storm edges closer, the tension should build to a crescendo. However, the script struggles to balance its existential themes with its moments of levity, often diluting the urgency of the situation. The humour, while occasionally sharp and insightful, sometimes feels out of place against the backdrop of an impending ecological disaster. This dissonance makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the stakes at hand.
Despite these shortcomings, the production does have its merits. The minimalist set design, combined with evocative soundscapes, effectively captures the isolation and despair of the two characters. The constant patter of rain and the distant rumble of thunder create a haunting atmosphere that underscores the characters’ sense of helplessness. Yet, without a more cohesive narrative drive, Bellringers rings hollow at times, leaving the audience with more questions than resolutions. It's a play that, while ambitious, never quite achieves the depth or impact it seems to reach for.
