Review: Wild Swimming

The tradition of Pembroke New Cellars showcasing Marek Horn’s brilliantly eccentric plays continues with this unique production of Wild Swimming.

In it, we follow the story of Nell (Scarlett Coburn) and Oscar (Harry Mitchell) and their platonic/romantic relationship over the course of four centuries, whose encounters through time always occur on the same Dorset beach. Water and marine life are a recurring theme in Horn’s work, so it’s nice to see it return as a theme in this play, particularly with Oscar’s obsession with wild swimming and swimming in the Hellespont following the example of Lord Byron.

The directors of this production, Poppy Gibbs and Jodie Coulson (both of whom played an important role in bringing Horn’s other plays, Yellowfin and Octopolis, to Pembroke New Cellars) have clearly put a great deal of time and love into this production.

Image credits: Poppy Gibbs

Our actors, too, do an extraordinary job maintaining their performances throughout the one hour run of the show with such dedication and energy. Harry Mitchell brings to life a sensitive and tender character, infatuated with poetry and swimming in the choppy waters off the Dorset coast. Scarlett Coburn’s Nell is a witty and animated character, who masks her clear affection for Oscar with sarcasm. The two have a complex relationship that is, at its core, a loving relationship, although we only get snapshots of it as we move swiftly through different time periods with them.

The audience enters the venue and are seated in a circle of seats facing inwards, while the Alessi Brothers’ “Seabird” plays in the background.

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Whoever put the playlist for this show together has to be congratulated for their good work. As the time periods change, the actors change clothes (credit to costume designer Alina Hu) in the middle of the circle, surrounded by the audience. They manage to do this while convincingly staying in character and reciting lines, which I think would be my biggest fear as an actor, so lots of respect to them for pulling that off.

Image credits: Poppy Gibbs

These scenes can get a little messy, though, as lots of clothes and props are strewn around the performance space. This, combined with the small space available and the high energy of the performances, could be quite a source of anxiety, fearing for an accident to happen or a prop to get lost. Speaking of props, if you like audience participation, you’ll really enjoy this show, which involves Oscar handing audience members water guns to spray Nell (prepared to get sprayed with water in the crossfire) and the actors offering crisps to us several times throughout the show.

However, it can all get a bit claustrophobic and chaotic, and I can’t help but feel that this could be somewhat addressed by arranging the chairs to create a larger performance space. Still, it is an interesting use of seating and stage which fits the intimate vibe of the characters’ encounters with each other. Come to think of it, the most original and creative stage and seating arrangements I’ve come across for shows in Cambridge have been at the Pembroke New Cellars.

Image credits: Poppy Gibbs

Wild Swimming immerses the audience in a strange and tender relationship that defies temporality. It’s weird but also deeply relatable at the same time, and it’s absolutely the show you should see if you want an hour’s worth of escapism on the Dorset Coast.

Review score: 4/5

Wild Swimming is showing at Pembroke New Cellars on Tuesday, 11th February to Saturday 15th February. You can book your tickets here.

Featured image credits: Poppy Gibbs