Theatre Review - The Band Back Together


Royce Cronin in The Band Back Together [Kate Hockenhull Photography]


Joe (James Westphal), Ross (Royce Cronin) and Ellie (Laura Evelyn) used to be in a band together, playing pubs and clubs. Ellie and Ross left their home town of Salisbury many years ago and only Joe stayed behind.

Now he’s asked them to reunite for one night to play a charity gig. He’s even bought T-shirts.

The Novichok poisoning and recent pandemic still cast their shadow over the city. As they rehearse the old songs, the three friends get back their old groove. At the same time, they are compelled to revisit their past, tell their stories, and reveal secrets and betrayals.

Like the band, Barney Norris’s play (which he also directs) takes a little while to warm up – initially the characters’ awkwardness is stilted, lines are swallowed, and there’s not much to be reaped dramatically from the exchange of banalities.

Both Ross and Joe have a romantic past with Ellie who has moved back to Salisbury and is trying for a baby with her current partner. She’s not sure if she wants one but feels time is running out. Joe has a deeply emotional story to share and Ross, now a professional musician, has his own regrets.

Norris is a hugely talented writer and this shines through in the stronger second half. There’s real emotion in the music and storytelling. The band palpably gel as they play together and we see what the trio once had. We’re left wanting more.

The Arcola’s basement studio with its exposed brick is the perfect space for this intimate, poignant drama.

Until September 28

arcolatheatre.com/