Synopsis

Hailsham seems like a pleasant English boarding school, far from the influences of the city. Its students are well tended and supported, trained in art and literature, and become just the sort of people the world wants them to be. But, curiously, they are taught nothing of the outside world and are allowed little contact with it.

Within the grounds of Hailsham, Kathy grows from schoolgirl to young woman, but it’s only when she and her friends Ruth and Tommy leave the safe grounds of the school (as they always knew they would) that they realise the full truth of what Hailsham is…

Review

Kazuo Ishiguro is one of those authors who manages to write knowledgeably and beautifully about a huge variety of subjects, within multiple genres. Never Let Me Go has always divided audiences; its quiet narrative mixed with a subject that raises many questions about ethics and how we behave as humans. The 2010 film played around with the structure, making it almost more accessible, as viewers were given certain information upfront.

Suzanne Heathcote’s adaptation (directed by Christopher Haydon) sticks closely to the book, starting near the end of the story and flicking back and forth into Kathy H’s memories. While the story is compelling, the characterisation is fantastic and it’s definitely a play to add to my bucket list if the rights become available! It remains a quiet, but impactful story, especially in its staging.

Tom Piper’s set is exquisite, perfectly encompassing Hailsham and the centres, its height adding to the claustrophobia of the production. There are lots of subtle touches, including a Woolworth’s bag and specific brands of crisps, which really add to the authenticity of the time periods, even though it is dystopian. Movement – choreographed by Ayse Tashkiran – is also well thought out, and there is good fluidity between scenes, which switch quickly but seamlessly

Acting is phenomenal, with exceptional performances from Nell Barlow (Kathy) and Matilda Bailes (Ruth), who transcend the different age groups, emotions and situations perfectly. The scenes at Hailsham contrast beautifully with the later scenes at the Cottages, and also during the various donations.

There is perhaps too much swearing. Although the story is heartbreaking and emotions run high, this could have been reduced, as it felt glorified in places. A lot of people in the audience struggled to understand what was going on and, for anyone who has not read the book or seen the film, it is confusing.

Personally, I absolutely loved it, but would adjust my rating by one star for those who had no prior knowledge of the story.