REVIEW: FELL by Chris Salt at Barons Court Theatre 3 - 7 Oct 2023

‘Fascinatingly captures the sentiments of youth in a unique environment’ ★★★★

Having had its original tour end prematurely due to the Covid pandemic in 2020, Chris Salt’s Fell has finally returned to audiences and kicked off its tour of England at the Barons Court Theatre this week. Having received runner up prizes at both the Papatango and Octagon Theatre writing competitions, it is no surprise that this is a play full of gripping dialogue which subtly pokes at the emotional state of its central characters throughout.

Set in the mountains of the Lake District, Fell opens with a chance encounter between runaway schoolboy Lyle (Ned Cooper) and young adult Jake (Tom Claxton) who has seemingly been habiting in the wild by himself for some time. The boys are inherently different; Lyle’s incessant inquisition and general naivety of the world make him as irritating as he is sociable while Jake’s confidence and capability to survive elicits a withdrawn personality. It is an encounter which should be fleeting yet extends well beyond introductions.

While it is the nature of Lyle’s disappearance from school that drives the plot forward, it is the underlying quest for companionship which lies at the heart of this story as each boy comes to terms with their current state of loneliness. Salt’s script delicately peels the layers from each character until they are as exposed as the fields around them. It is a beautifully constructed relationship which, although brief, never feels forced.

The authenticity of the characters is achieved through two very accomplished performances. Ned Cooper manages to convey all the elements of vulnerability and humour which make Lyle such a likeable character despite his flaws. Conversely, Tom Claxton negotiates the stage like it is his own dwelling and brings a warmth to his portrayal of Jake which allows the character to take on the role of older sibling. The chemistry they create from the opening scene is maintained throughout and each performance compliments the other.

In addition to the two acting roles, the setting of the play becomes almost a third character. The landscape of the Lake District plays a key role in how the story unfolds and both director Janys Chambers and set designer Jane Linz Roberts do a commendable job of bringing such a vast setting to life in such a small space. From an intricate campsite to the sprawling mountainsides, there is a constant feeling of being outdoors which draws the audience closer to the events onstage.

There are a couple of factors which depreciate the experience slightly. Given that there are few key plot drivers within the play, it becomes very much reliant on the conversations between Lyle and Jack. While most of these are compelling, there are moments that perhaps feel a little overdrawn and inhibit the pacing somewhat, particularly in the first half.

Also, as with most fringe theatre productions, it is almost a necessity to cast adults in the role of children. While Cooper does an exceptional job at playing someone who is considerably younger than himself, the unfortunate reality is that you lose an element of empathy for 14-year old Lyle in the latter scenes of the play as a result. This is neither the fault of the production nor the acting, but it is a factor how you feel upon conclusion.

Fell fascinatingly captures the sentiments of youth in a unique environment and takes us on a brief but emotional journey with two absorbing characters. It is a play which most definitely deserved a second opportunity to be seen by audiences and a deserved winner of the plaudits it received.

Read our interview with Chris Salt here

Fell at Baron’s Court Theatre 3 - 7 Oct

Box Office: https://www.baronscourttheatre.com/fell-by-chris-salt

Trailer and tour dates: https://www.edgewaysproductions.co.uk/fell

Edgeway Productions on Twitter: @edgewaysarts

Writer: Chris Salt

Director: Janys Chambers

Set Design: Jane Linz Roberts

Cast

Lyle: Ned Cooper

Jake: Tom Claxton

Reviewed by John Montgomery