Mortality is something that everyone confronts but few want to face. The latest play in the Ensemble Theatre season, Laura Wade’s Colder Than Here does not shy away from the theme of mortality, but instead confronts it, as it centres around Myra, a woman facing terminal cancer, who spends the length of the 90-minute play, planning her own funeral while her family come to terms with their impending loss. 

This is not a hopelessly depressing play as Wade punctuates the challenging subject matter with humour, which is littered throughout the production. There is particularly amusing scene where Myra is picking out her coffin, leading to a discussion with the rest of the family about some especially unpleasant details. Ultimately though, the humour is used to offset some of the more poignant aspects of the play, and it is the exploration of these elements where the play is at its finest. 

Huw Higginson gives a superb portrayal of Alec, capturing the anguish that a man unable to come to terms with the loss of his wife faces. Airlie Dodds and Charlotte Friels as Jenna and Harriet respectively are also brilliant, each displaying their own challenges in coming to terms of their mother’s impending passing. Dodds is especially fantastic, with her character revealing a great deal of strength that perhaps had not been seen by her family, especially in the final moments of the play.

But it is Hannah Waterman who really brings this production together, approaching the role of Myra with sensitivity and a façade of joviality which is constructed to protect those around her. It is a difficult and substantial role and Waterman handles the treatment of the litany of emotions that her character must confront extremely well. Wade’s writing is superb and the play is extremely well-paced. The set and lighting compliment the action on stage well and the direction of Janine Watson has intention and power to it. 

What is particularly special about this its exploration of the various manifestations of grief. It is not too serious but this allows the moments of anguish to permeate the emotions of the audience when they come to light. From Alec’s focus on fixing the boiler, to Jenna’s troubles, we see the mundanities of the family brought to a level that is heightened by the underlying challenge facing all of them. Yet in some ways, the challenge is what brings the family together which is actually quite heart-warming. While the ending feels a little abrupt, perhaps this is in keeping with the play and the lack of permanency that every character must face.

Ultimately, this is a well-constructed play which deals with some confronting issues in modern-day society. The quality of the acting is sublime, and emotion is used so effectively that the audience feels truly connected to those on stage. This is probably the highlight of the Ensemble season and will appeal to so many different demographics because of its poignancy and universality. A must-watch. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Colder Than Here plays at the Ensemble Theatre until 12^th October, 2024. For more information, click here.

All photo credits: Phil Erbacher