Review: Otherland at Almeida Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

Otherland at the Almeida Theatre is a moving exploration of womanhood, identity, and the emotional complexity of relationships. Written by Chris Bush, this play delves into the experiences of Jo and Harry, two women whose marriage unravels following Harry’s transition. As they try to rebuild their lives separately, they are forced to confront societal expectations of what it means to be a woman, facing challenges such as transphobia and the choice of whether to become a parent.

Thanks to Chris Bush’s fantastic script, Jo and Harry are incredibly relatable and authentic and the depth of their experiences feels almost universal. Every woman in the audience will likely see aspects of themselves reflected in the characters' journeys, whether it's dealing with unwanted attention from men or struggling with feelings of inadequacy in relationships. 

The first act of the play is grounded in realism and allows the audience to get to know Jo and Harry as characters. While the pacing is strong, there are moments where I felt this first act could have benefited from trimming: certain scenes felt slightly prolonged and tightening these would have added to the emotional impact.

The second act of Otherland takes a striking turn from the first. As Jo and Harry re-emerge following the interval, the narrative shifts from realism to metaphors that represent how un-human they feel in the wake of their separation. Jo becomes a robot incubator after agreeing to carry a child for her partner who could not conceive while Harry becomes a fish-human hybrid discovered then subsequently shunned by society. This shift is cleverly reflected in the stage design by Fly Davis, which moves from a sparse, minimalistic set to one that incorporates symbolic elements tied to the metaphors for each character’s experience. The transformation of the space enhances the emotional and thematic depth of the story really effectively.

The use of live music, performed by a three-piece band and with the characters in the ensemble singing, adds another layer to the production. The music amplifies the atmosphere, whether it’s in the throbbing energy of a nightclub or in a quiet sorrowful moment. The soundscape is a vital tool in heightening the emotional tone of the play, and it’s executed perfectly.

Otherland is an absorbing and powerful play, marked by excellent writing from Chris Bush and direction from Ann Yee as well as strong performances from the entire cast. It’s a profound reflection on identity, change and the pressures placed on women by society which I am sure will resonate with its audience.

Otherland is running at the Almeida Theatre until 15th March 2025.

Photo by Phil Fisk