The Mercury’s Bindweed is an “outstanding debut with a powerful voice”

SOME plays are incredible because they are based on brilliant books.

But that’s not all – Bindweed, from a debut playwright, offers more than enough material, insight and humor to deserve a bestseller.

“Bindweed” is touted as a “harrowing and darkly humorous” piece that tackles the root causes of domestic violence.

It is about Jen (Laura Hanna), a former police officer who, for many reasons, is determined to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Jen is kind, funny, and a very empathetic person, so it’s uncomfortable but also compelling to see her constantly being put down by men convicted of domestic violence or by visibly sexist bosses and friends.

In the first scene, it is made clear that Jen has moved back to Colchester from London – a very casual environment – and all the while, Jen is battling old-fashioned attitudes, from men paying for women on the first date to diet culture.

Highlight – The friendship between the characters of Laura Hanna and Josie Brightwell was the heart of the show (Image: Will Green)

It’s a faux pas for Gen Z and Millennials to talk about weight issues. Laura grimaces in these brief moments, contributing to the comment becoming a taboo that married couples might be “playing games with each other.”

At times the play seemed to me like the way I always see older couples in public, antagonizing each other, competing with each other, arguing openly and wondering what is going on behind closed doors.

Nuanced – Martha Loader’s male cast consisted of complex and thoughtful characters, which clearly demonstrated how much she benefitted from the help of NHS consultants throughout the creative process. (Image: Will Green)

The plot twists and short scenes come at just the right time, there are always funny jokes and the acting skills of everyone involved are excellent.

This is a cast that knows what they’re doing, from their accents to the way they optimize their clothes.

Some moments of frenzy really shocked me and I had to hold back tears a few times, but I love this niche genre of adult social realism that cuts society to pieces.

It’s similar to plays I’ve seen, like Richard Harris’ Stepping Out, but Martha Loader clearly moves things along by using her “voice” to find a character.

Bindweed will be performed at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and then at the Arcola Theatre in London.

5 Stars