REVIEW: THE DISTANCE by Mollusc Theatre, Camden Fringe at The Rosemary Branch Theatre, 29th to 31st July

‘an hour long special of unsubstantial silliness that doesn’t care to make any sense’

The Distance, based on a short story by Italo Calvino, certainly keeps up with its absurd science fiction origins from the 1960s. We follow Earth-Moon relations professor, Xlthlx (originally a side character from ‘The Distance of the Moon’), as she tracks down an old friend from her tranquil-turned apocalyptic seaside town. There she meets a trio of frantic women driven to lunacy by ‘the noise’ permeating from a sad man on a giant seashell. Xlthlx attempts to combat their murderous intentions in a mysterious race to the moon via boats and ladders. It sounds bizarre and bizarre it definitely is, but unfortunately for this ambitious production, the plot is far too fantastical for the hour long run time.

Ultimately, it is The Distance’s nonsensical plot line that lets it down as high-concept world building is followed by a comedy skit, accompanied by a musical number and so on. An audience is left with no time to understand the newest scene before being whisked onto the next. Thus, no meaning or consequence was ascribed to what we were watching and, while entertaining in the moment, I found myself searching for a whisper of meaning. Given an extra half hour or so, this could have been an abstract production that gives insight into contemporary desire and loneliness. As it stands, The Distance is an hour long special of unsubstantial silliness that doesn’t care to make any sense, and is there really anything wrong with that?

As Mollusc Theatre’s first production, they have certainly established a unique personality, having drawn upon lesser noticed cultural names. This they have done with suitably clownish acting and truly surprising musical numbers. Frederique McCarthy-Wilkinson sings beautifully as Xlthlx and the rest of the cast match the tone of the production to a tee. Given more time and acute editing, I’m certain they could make a more memorable production.

The Distance by Mollusc Theatre

Directed by Davey Green

The Rosemary Branch Theatre, 29th to 31st July 2024

Box Office: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-distance/