Review: BARRIER(S), The Birmingham REP
Becky Bailey
In her play, Barrier(s), Eloise Pennycott bridges linguistic and emotional worlds and invites us into a space where silence speaks louder than words. Originally a 45 minute play, Barrier(s) won the National Theatre’s Views competition 3 years ago and since teaming up with the Deafinitely Theatre company has grown into a two part play.
The story centres on Alana and Katie, two women navigating love across different languages and lived experiences, one hearing and one deaf. Their relationship becomes a mirror for the broader struggles of connection and understanding in a world that often listens without really hearing. Through humour, frustration, and unspoken devotion, Pennycott crafts moments that feel startlingly intimate, reminding us how fragile and resilient love can be when tested by communication itself.
Deafinitely Theatre is the first deaf launched and deaf led professional theatre company in the United Kingdom. Their signature bilingual approach, seamlessly blending British Sign Language and spoken English, remains one of their greatest strengths. The staging is minimalist and allows space for the story and characters. The lighting and projection are used sparingly to enrich the emotional landscape without overwhelming it, while also serving a practical function, clearly distinguishing when the characters are in their flat or when Katie is teaching at school. Sound effects are employed with precision, reinforcing key moments without distraction. The interplay between gesture and voice feels natural and authentic, allowing both deaf and hearing audiences to share fully in the intimacy of this love story. In moments without subtitles or signing, the music takes centre stage, evoking the lyricism of early silent cinema and conveying emotion with tenderness. The incidental music throughout the piece is particularly effective, filling spaces where speech is absent while supporting the narrative rather than creating discomfort with silence. This production is not about challenging audiences, but about celebrating deaf culture and exploring the lives and experiences of deaf people with warmth, honesty, and care.
This intimate two person piece follows Katie and Alana’s story with warmth and conviction. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and both performers are immediately engaging. Katie’s frustration at the barriers she encounters feels entirely justified rather than off putting, grounding her character in honesty and depth. The signing throughout is clear and expressive, though the timing of the subtitles occasionally drifts, creating moments where the text and performance fall out of sync. To achieve its full impact, the pacing and coordination between script and delivery would benefit from closer alignment by the actors.
Barrier(s) is a moving and subtly radical piece of theatre. It reminds us that language can be both a bridge and a barrier, and that love, when allowed space to grow, can transcend them both. While the play explores the challenges Katie faces, it is filled with warmth and humour. This is a deeply human and beautifully crafted production that speaks volumes without ever needing to raise its voice.
Four Stars ****
Reviewed by Sophie Eaton
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