855-FOR-TRUTH by Eva Hudson at The Hope 11-22 Feb 2025

'Visually stunning' ★★★ 1/2

Set in present day Utah, "855-FOR-TRUTH" explores the unlikely relationship between Meredith and Isaac. Meredith is a member of a religious cult who have isolated themselves from the "unclean" world and are awaiting the end of the world. Isaac, meanwhile, is an environmentalist camped out in the woods, collecting tree samples to demonstrate the devastating effects of pollution. Though their world views clash - they share one fundamental belief: the world is ending - whether by divine intervention or human folly.

As Isaac and Meredith's bond grows, truths are revealed - the hypocrisies and dark side of their respective communities. Meredith's religious sect don't believe in medicine or women getting an education, Isaac comes from people who believe in science but are removed from nature and caring for each other. Both are young and voiceless - dealing with issues inflicted upon them by previous generations, having to cope with extreme circumstances not of their making.

Molly Hanly brings Meredith to life with charm, verve, and a touch of innocent wonder, while Max Raphael as Isaac blends earnest idealism with mounting frustration. Their interactions brimmed with mutual curiosity and effortless chemistry.

Eva Hudson's script is uneven. The first act is engaging and fresh, but the second act falters, losing its thematic clarity. The play ambitiously explores themes of connection and exchanging ideas without judgment, of humanities ability to change and adapt, of young people rendered voiceless and despairing about their future, but also their resilience in the face of that despair. However, the concepts and their message become confused in the latter half, particularly in relation to Isaac's actions.

Visually, the production is stunning. Rhiannon Binnington’s stage design transforms the theatre into a lavish and immersive woodland, with Hessian-draped lamps evoking towering trees, with pine needles and wood chippings scattered across the floor to represent the forest bed. This is accompanied by a naturalistic soundscape that further enriches the atmosphere, contributing to the authentic setting and drawing the audience into the isolated world of the characters.

"855-FOR-TRUTH" is a strange and quirky story, beautifully acted and staged, but hindered by a confused and unsatisfying end.

 BOX OFFICE https://www.thehopetheatre.com/855

Meredith

Molly Hanly

Credits include 'A Very Expensive Poison' & 'Rhubarb and Custard' (Bloomsbury Festival)

Isaac

Max Raphael

Credits include 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes' (Lionsgate) & 'Slaughterhouse Rulez' (Netflix)

writer

director 

EVA HUDSON

LYDIA MCKINLEY

set designer

RHI BINNINGTON

lighting designer

sound designer

composer

BRETT KASZA

MARK FENTON

JOE PENALIGGON

stage manager

ELSA GEAR