REVIEW: THE LAST TIME I SAW CAILEIGH at Baron’s Court Theatre 11 - 22 June 2024

“has all the right motives which will undoubtedly be appreciated by an audience who recognise what Caileigh is going through”

The importance of theatre has been much debated in recent years due to underfunding, dwindling audiences and a need for reform. What has never been argued is the fact that it creates a platform for the discussion of topical issues and an opportunity to change opinions. This is what The Last Time I Saw Caileigh attempts and to some extent achieves it. Unfortunately, it neglects the core of what theatre needs; drama, conflict and empathy, and as a result this makes its impact a little less effectual.

The play opens with Caileigh, played by writer and director Victoria Sasso, and their partner Faruk, played by co-writer Harun Ćehović, having what seems like an everyday conversation that couples have. The conversation takes a turn when Caileigh discusses an article they have read about the gender fluidity of clownfish. The topic resonates quite deeply with Caileigh and before we find out why we discover that they have gone missing.

The remainder of the play focuses on Faruk and two associates of Caileigh’s (played by Tiffany Elana King and Matthias Moret) who try to establish the series of events that lead to their disappearance. Each of them is quick to assume that the others are responsible and through a series of cleverly staged flashbacks we slowly learn Caileigh’s story and their internal and external battles that they have been having.

Sasso and Ćehović’s script approaches the story’s base topic of gender identity with care and thought. It explores the challenges faced by those that live through such experiences in a way that is relatable which is no doubt what they set out to achieve, Sadly in doing so it loses sight of its character development. There’s little empathy for any of them by the time we reach the climax and ultimately it feels like a series of scenes designed to educate rather than entertain.

There are certainly a number of positives that can be taken from the production. The direction is engaging, particularly the flashback scenes which frequently jump between the past and present. Sasso’s performance is also strong; their final monologue is raw and moving and it is somewhat regrettable that there wasn’t something of a similar vein earlier to help take us on Caileigh’s journey.

The Last Time I Saw Caileigh has all the right motives which will undoubtedly be appreciated by an audience who recognise what Caileigh is going through. To enact change though it needs to find a deeper connection than just the topic at hand and at this point in time that is just not there.

THE LAST TIME I SAW CAILEIGH at Baron’s Court Theatre 11 - 22 June 2024

Box Office: https://www.baronscourttheatre.com/

Theatre Company: Slumber Party Productions

Written by: Victoria Sasso and Harun Ćehović

Director: Victoria Sasso

Cast

Caileigh: Victoria Sasso

Faruk: Harun Ćehović

Maureen: Tiffany Elana King

Maxime: Matthias Moret

Reviewed by John Montgomery