What stands out is the chemistry between the two characters
London is blessed to have so many small theatre spaces that give room to small fringe theatre productions and ensure the theatre scene is remains vibrant. Some productions might come as part of a festival and leave after a few performances but many shows can find continued life in these smaller spaces. The Golden Goose Theatre has the honour to welcome Still Here by Mari Lloyd for a few nights, writes Christopher Peacock.
Originally produced in 2023, this two-hander has this short run after the success of touring South Wales earlier this year. Still Here focuses on the lives of two 18 year olds on the cusp of leaving school in a small Welsh town: Yasmin, played by Emma Kaler, a relative newcomer to the town, and Rhys (Phillip John Jones) who, uninspired by any academic path, just wants to be a boxer.
In a short amount of time their lives become entwined as Yasmin starts boxing and working out at the gym Rhys goes to and also becomes a volunteer at the care home where Rhys’ mother is the youngest resident.
Both have their own frustrations as they search for purpose in their lives. For Yasmin, estranged from her parents, it is battling to get her campaign for a women’s boxing session launched, and for Rhys it is the sheer disruption Yasmin seems to be effecting on his life; plus, the frustrating relationship with his father.
Lloyd’s script is witty and thoughtful. The show gently builds to its sombre finish without lacking pace or feeling sluggish. There are wider themes that are touched on, from identity and mental health that could certainly have been explored further, but it is pleasing that those are not too heavily handled here.
Surprisingly, what stands out is the chemistry between the two characters on stage. Although the show is told in monologues there is a nice tension between the two throughout. Having both cast members return after previous runs certainly pays dividends on that front.
The minimalist staging and stripped back story-telling are perfectly suited for smaller rooms and performance spaces. For a piece of fringe theatre Still Here is tight and resists the urge to play for something grander or cast its net too far.
Golden Goose Theatre 146 Camberwell New Road, Camberwell, London, SE5 0RR until 6th September 2025.
Tickets: £15 (full) | £13 (concessions) Includes booking fee. Approx. 70 minutes (no interval). Book Online: www.goldengoosetheatre.co.uk
