Review: WIND BIT BITTER, BIT BIT BIT HER, Vault Festival

Mary stands alone on stage and tells a story of loss, betrayal and conspiracy. With her ex-wife she had a child, and then lost it, causing a state of harrowing posttraumatic stress disorder to ensnare her. But when random body parts start appearing on the beach, she considers that perhaps Miriam isn't dead, and thus embarks on an adventure that will change her psyche forever.

The play is futuristic in its take on human biology and feels very Black Mirror'esque. There isn't necessarily a problem with this, however at times it veers on triteness and you wonder what actually is being said. Mostly lyrical, the text at times feels too whimsical and skirts around the issues instead of digging straight in.

However, the text is handled well by Phoebe Vigor, who is on stage for the entire 90 minutes. She handles this slightly daunting task comfortably, and accurately conveys the immense grief Mary feels, alongside the confusion at her situation. Vigor's delivery provides a nice contrast, in the way that it is harsh and cutting, but also softly spoken and delicate.

Brought to the VAULT Fest by cough//drop theatre, the company market themselves as "theatre to put a tickle in your throat before knocking you out". This piece however is more like a local anaesthetic, as it doesn't pack the required punch to leave you winded.

Yet it is a show that's very suited to the VAULT environment. Rumbling trains overhead add to the overwhelming thudding in Mary's skull, and the tediously dripping water alongside the cold, damp environment work perfectly for the play's bleak setting.

The majority of the piece is well written and performed with skill, but there's a level of oomph that's lacking, and this unfortunately makes the piece drag on a little too long.

Wind Bit Bitter, Bit Bit Bit Her at the VAULT Festival until 28 January

Photo credit: cough//drop theatre

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