‘Birthday Candles’ review

‘perfectly encapsulates the dichotomous nature of the simplicities and complexities of life’

Rocket Theatre Company’s triumphant production of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle follows the life of its protagonist, Ernestine through a series of birthdays, where she follows the tradition of baking herself a cake each year.

The vision of Directors, Laurence Davidson and Khaliun Mark, is clear from the outset. They manage to get the perfect equilibrium of poignancy, chaos, and comedy which can only be done so tenderly with fantastically made directorial decision-making.

The Production Manager Rory Collins does a wonderful job of tying together the set and tech used in the production. Credit must then be given to the set (designed by Jem Hodgins) which immediately immerses you into the home of Ernestine (played by Nat Pryke), giving the audience the impression of the domesticity and homeliness that surrounds Ernestine’s life, essential to her character. Further, the use of tech in the play is very striking and wonderfully used to convey the timeline of the play. In particular, the lighting (operated by Lucy Smith) and sound (operated by Andrew Mullins) used during the scene transitions to convey the passage of time deserve high commendation.

Every actor in this production did a truly wonderful job in their roles. Firstly, Nat Pryke, as Ernestine, does an incredible job as the leading lady - she brings an effortlessness to a very complex character that is an absolute joy to witness. Pryke has an ability to captivate an audience in a way that makes the whole play utterly engrossing. She is the glue of the production that ties everyone, and everything, together.

Oli Butler (playing Kenneth) is a firm stand-out in his role, presenting us with a very natural comedic nature, that weaves moments of pure comedy perfectly into the play, which was a true delight to watch. Butler should also be praised for his use of physicality as he ages in the play, as well as his conveyance of all the complexities that life brings, which left me wholeheartedly rooting for his character. Pryke and Butler really complement each other on stage and are a great pair to see together, both being worthy of the highest praise.

Kudos is also very much accorded to those who multi-roled in this production, Kian Standbridge as Matt/William, Lauren Williams as Alice/Madeline/Ernie, Damien Smith as Billy/John, and Rhiannon Morgan as Joan/Alex/Beth. They all multi-roled with such ease, and their ability to change aspects of their characters meant it was entirely obvious when the characters had changed. Standbridge has a very commanding and engaging stage presence which left me in awe, playing the complexities of his character with ease. Smith and Morgan make terrific on-stage partners and are both effortlessly funny with effective comedic timing and ability that is so enjoyable to watch. Williams manages to play each of her characters in such a tender way that left me always wanting to see more of her.

Finally, all actors should be praised for their ability to interact in such a meaningful way on stage. Their dynamics are all very riveting - particularly Butler and Pryke, and Smith and Morgan, as already mentioned, but also Standbridge and Pryke, who interacted in a very meaningful way on stage, as Matt and Ernestine.

My only criticism of this production would be that sometimes it was hard to tell that the characters had aged, aside from the use of tech. It might have been nice to see some more elements of physicality used here, however, the use of tech is therefore perfect in these moments to make sure the audience is aware of the passage of time.

On the whole, this play is truly a delight to watch. It perfectly encapsulates the dichotomous nature of the simplicities and complexities of life, facilitated fantastically by the directors and all the actors. They should all be truly proud of what they have produced. All of this is to say that this production is an absolute must-see.

By Olivia Higgins-Darby.

‘Birthday Candles’ is showing Friday 15th November, and Saturday 16th November at 19:30.