Review: THIS LITTLE EARTH, Arcola Theatre

Photo credit: Johan Persson

This Little Earth is a staggering debut from Jessica Norman. Currently playing in the bijou studio of the Arcola Theatre, a pint-sized heavyweight on the London new writing scene, Norman’s two-hander follows the journey of two Flat Earthers who travel to Antarctica to find the edge of the world.

Recently bereaved Honey (Fanta Barrie) seeks comfort and a way to hold together the fragments of her life after her sister’s premature death. Seasoned conspiracy theorist Christopher (Ross O’Donnellan) wants the stability and certainty of truth, something to build back the foundations of his estranged family.

Jessica Norman’s play is a sensitive and sympathetic exploration of the very human compulsion to establish reason and meaning, particularly in the most chaotic of circumstances. In a world exploding with alternative truths - podcasts and TikTok’s and YouTube essays - that longed-for meaning is ever more elusive and this play all the more poignant.

Norman approaches this very current and divisive subject of truth and objectivity with warmth and humour, and most importantly compassion. Both Barrie and O’Donnellan - elegantly directed by Imy Wyatt Corner - are engaging and endearing in their performances, embracing their characters with a sensitive balance of levity and earnestness.

The design of this show is spectacular - transforming the Arcola into a glacial vision of Antarctica. Cat Fuller’s set is a small piece of magic, beautifully simple but hugely effective - particularly the use of ceiling-mounted fans, which bring the polar waste to life. Fuller’s design is also brought to life by Hugo Dodsworth’s breathtaking light and projection design. Jamie Lu’s sound design is also crucial for creating a sense of space and depth, so that you almost forget you are in a 100 seat basement theatre in Dalston.

An astonishing new play and exciting start for Jessica Norman - tense, mind-bending and fantastically funny.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Livvy Perrett

This Little Earth plays at London’s Arcola Theatre until 15 November, with further info here.