Hartshorn-Hook and Angels and Virgins Theatre Company present this new drama by Adam Somerset at the rather early time of 11 am in C SoCo. The piece is played by three young actors, and tells a story of love and loss, with a slice of maths theory (hence the title) thrown in.
Rachel (Julia Harbinson) and Colwyn (Nick Ofield) play a couple coming to terms with the death of Rachels beloved younger sister, Michelle. Naiomi Roberts plays both maths lecturer Karen, and counsellor Emily. The action charts part of the grief counselling sessions, Rachel and Colwyns claustrophobic flat, where they seek to sort through Michelles things, and Rachels relationship with Karen.
Harbinson as Rachel is spiky and fragile, always on edge, and Ofield as Colwyn pulls off the confused and frustrated partner. Roberts portrayal of Emilys mannerisms, foibles and the forced formalities of a counsellors role works particularly well, and points to potential as a comic actress.
The set is simple and adequate. The writing, by Somerset and developed by the cast, is ambitious, gradually revealing the tragic circumstances of Michelles death. For the most part this narrative works, but it does leave a fair bit unresolved, particularly in the relationships between Michelle and both Colwyn and Karen. The mediations on the problems explained in the maths lectures show a thoughtful author, but can be a little taxing and heavy handed, and I end up wondering if there might be a way of handling these more subtly.