Reverberation, staged at the Bristol Old Vic, takes a poignant look at the lives of Jonathan and Claire, two people burdened by past traumas that have left them isolated yet yearning for connection. Jonathan, a gay man in his thirties, withdraws into solitude after the brutal loss of his partner, Gabe, while Claire, his new neighbour, is haunted by her own violent past. Directed by rising theatre talent Jack Sain, this production navigates the sensitive landscape of emotional vulnerability, balancing moments of raw tension with the occasional glimmers of hope.

The set design by Ti Green was nothing short of remarkable, achieving a level of detail and symbolism that was nearly as crucial to the narrative as the characters themselves. Jonathan and Claire’s apartments, divided by a metal staircase and framed by an industrial aesthetic, set the tone for the fractured lives these characters lead. The sound of footsteps reverberating on the staircase served as a constant reminder of their solitude and separation, enhancing the sense of physical and emotional distance. The “sliced” perspective of the stage allowed audiences an intimate view into their spaces, reflecting the raw and exposed nature of their stories.

Sound design by Nicola T. Chang was a standout element, providing an almost cinematic experience that transitioned effortlessly between realism and immersive soundscapes. Moments where sound seemed to emanate from headphones or a speaker within the characters’ rooms grounded us in Jonathan and Claire’s worlds with an artful, film-like execution that added depth to each scene’s emotional undercurrents. Lighting by Robbie Butler and video design by Daniel Denton further enhanced the production, creating a layered, sensory experience. The intimate scenes, choreographed by intimacy co-ordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt, were handled with sensitivity and authenticity, emphasising the actors’ vulnerability while ensuring comfort and realism.

The performances were uniformly strong. Michael Ahomka-Lindsay brought depth to Jonathan, capturing his closed-off demeanour while hinting at the pain beneath. Eleanor Tomlinson portrayed Claire with warmth and unpredictability, creating an engaging and dynamic counterpart to Jonathan’s character. Tomlinson’s chaotic energy was both a catalyst and a comfort for Jonathan, and the chemistry between them made their connection feel real and necessary. As Wes, recent graduate Jack Gibson gave a compelling performance, adding further nuance to the play’s themes of loneliness and fleeting connection.

One element that may resonate differently with audiences, however, is the portrayal of trauma in gay characters. While Reverberation tackles important themes around loss and isolation that are relatable, it’s worth asking whether such portrayals risk reinforcing a pattern. Must every gay character’s story be so deeply defined by past trauma? It’s an essential narrative, one that speaks to real experiences, but as representations of queer lives continue to evolve on stage, is there room for stories that celebrate resilience without being rooted in pain?

Overall, Reverberation at Bristol Old Vic was a striking, thoughtful production that handled difficult subjects with care and artistry. For anyone interested in a deeply layered exploration of human connection, this play is well worth seeing.

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