REVIEW: FOLLY TO BE WISE at The Hen & Chickens Theatre 3 – 7 December 2024

‘a masterclass in tension-building’ ★★★★

According to Ben, he and Johnny are best friends, but according to Johnny, he’s not so sure. This is a show where one friend pretends not to read the room to remain sane, while the other is relieved that he doesn’t.

The story begins with Ben (Ned Campbell) and Johnny (Giorgio Morelli) catching up in a pub—Ben frantically drinking his pint between ramblings about his life’s successes, while Johnny, a struggling actor, barely touches theirs. Yet, once the conversation moves to Ben's flat, this intimate space amplifies the unspoken tension in the room. Ben, with his witty awkwardness, dominates the conversation, unaware that Johnny is carrying the weight of a moral decision that threatens to change their friendship forever. 

Adding tension to the mix is Lottie (Rosa Collier), Ben’s long-term girlfriend, who arrives unexpectedly. Her presence disrupts the fragile balance between the two men, pushing Johnny closer to his eventual confession. A fourth character, Bella (Ciara Kaighin Adams), appears late in the play and delivers a bombshell revelation that reshapes the audience’s understanding of the narrative. Bella’s role, though brief, is stirring—her appearance acts as a catalyst for the show’s emotional climax, pushing the characters toward a confrontation they’ve been avoiding.

Told over the course of one evening, the show examines what happens when the foundations of a lifelong relationship are tested by revelations that cut deep. This is a brilliant approach to storytelling. It begins by focusing on the highly relatable topic of reconnecting with a friend and realising that not only are you both on different paths, but one of you is perceived to be further ahead and more successful. Yet, when secrets emerge and the elephant in the room is finally addressed, the story delves into what it truly means to be successful and happy. Is it a career? A relationship? Or the ability to remain sane after traumatic events in your life? What truly elevates the production are the performances. Ned Campbell delivers an excellent and well-detailed performance as Ben, portraying a man whose awkwardness stems from wrestling with his conscience in a way that feels achingly real. Giorgio Morelli’s performance is amazing, giving Johnny a flawed morality and emotional fragility. 

The script is a masterclass in tension-building, expertly walking the line between light-hearted banter and deep emotional resonance. Moments of humour cut through the drama, offering much-needed relief without undermining the gravity of the situation. The pacing is brisk, with no moment feeling extraneous, and the dialogue crackles with authenticity. There were several instances where the audience collectively sat forward in their chairs—evidence that the tension and emotions of the characters, conveyed through brilliant performances and clever writing, were hard-hitting. The staging is minimal but effective, with clever lighting changes marking shifts in tone and location. The small, intimate setting draws the audience into the characters’ emotional struggles, creating a visceral sense of connection. The technical elements were used effectively, becoming motifs to illustrate Ben’s sanity gradually unravelling under the weight of the night’s revelations.

If there’s a shortcoming, it lies in the missed potential of characters Lottie and Bella. With how much power and drama Bella brought to the stage in her brief appearance, I wish we saw more of her. Bella has a pivotal presence, yet she is underwritten, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized character. Expanding her role would have made the moments of confrontation and conflict even more powerful. It would have also been impactful to explore the flawed nature in Lottie, likewise that is explored with Johnny. Nevertheless, all the characters are equally captivating, keeping your attention riveted to the stage, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action or the performances.

The production succeeds in leaving a lasting impression. Ultimately, the play is a raw, unflinching look at how our choices ripple through the lives of those closest to us. It’s a story of forgiveness, accountability, and the delicate dance of human relationships. 

Folly To Be Wise at the Hen & Chickens Theatre from 3rd – 7th December 2024

Box Office

Crew

Writer CHARLIE DUNNE

Director BENEDICT ESDALE

By SCALLYWAG STUDIOS

Cast

CIARA KAIGHIN ADAMS

NED CAMPBELL

ROSA COLLIER

GIORIO MORELLI