The Promise: Deafinitely Theatre Review

Reviews

10 Apr

`Anna Seymour(Rita) - credit Becky Bailey`

Deafinitely Theatre is the first deaf launched and deaf led professional theatre company in the UK. They are paving the way for inclusion in the arts sector, creating bilingual performances for both deaf and hearing communities to understand and experience together.

Their newest show The Promise is uncovering a vulnerable truth in the deaf community, and highlights the challenges of those living with dementia, in an inaccessible healthcare system. But this show is more than simply about the deaf experience or dementia. It is about a mother’s relationship with her son. It tells the story of deaf, retired teacher Rita, and her son Jake, who is forced to return home to care for her after his father passed away. Through a series of flashbacks, a multi-rolling cast and some tricky conversations, we slowly uncover more about the complexities of their deteriorating relationship, after Rita breaks her ‘promise’ to go to her son's wedding in Amsterdam.

It is important to remember that the bulk of the show is signed, with captions projected on the scenery to engage hearing audiences. There is the occasional spoken word depending on the character we are engaging with, but on the whole, this is a BSL show. This is vital to the representation of the piece and draws you into understanding the intricacies of deafness on a much deeper level.

Paula Garfield has done an outstanding job at creating and directing this production alongside co-writer Melissa Mostyn. It was perfectly understated, with a tenderness and subtlety that made these characters so real and sincere. This play is all about storytelling and draws from the experiences of real people, who shared their own stories during the 2 year writing process. There is therefore a certain pressure to get it right, and these two did not disappoint in any way.

Rita, portrayed with poignant authenticity by Anna Seymour, navigated the complexities of dementia with heartbreaking grace, while James Boyle, as Jake, gave us a nuanced portrayal of their strained relationship, attempting to be the tender and devoted son she needed.

`Erin Hutching (Jane), Anna Seymour (Rita) and James Boyle (Jake) - credit Becky Bailey`

Reviewed by Katie for Theatre and Tonic.

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

Their BSL conversations were not just exchanges of dialogue, but profound expressions of love, frustration, and understanding, resonating deeply with the audience. Through subtle gestures and expressive signing, they communicated a depth of emotion that transcended any linguistic barrier, creating a seriously moving theatrical experience.

And when you consider this role was Boyle’s onstage debut, this is extraordinary!

This show would have not been complete without its other 2 brilliant cast members; Erin Hutching as Jane, and Louis Neethling as Mike. These actors kept the play dynamic, moving between multiple roles and ensuring every moment on stage felt vibrant and alive. They are key in keeping audiences engaged and invested in the unfolding narrative from start to finish.

A standout moment in the production for me was the moving sequence where Jake struggles to fill out the care home's information form, confronting the realisation of how little he knows about his mother. Simultaneously, the audience witnesses a repetitive conversation between Rita and Mike, underscoring her longing for her absent son as she attempts to make a simple cup of tea. This juxtaposition of Jake's realisation and Rita's yearning creates a deeply human and emotionally resonant moment, drawing a powerful response from the audience.

One of the other details I found really lovely was the blossom motif that is peppered throughout the show. We see it literally projected on the scenery, in the context of the recurring Sonnet 18 ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer's Day?’, and even Rita’s sign name is ‘flower’, or in other words, blossom. This continued the beautiful softness and innocence of the character, and perhaps also indicated her fragility from the beginning.

This show is the perfect way to begin those previously barriered conversations both with family, and with professionals. It brings to light the exposing assessment process for deaf dementia patients, the lack of provisions for those with the condition (which by the way, only has 1 specialist care home for the deaf in the UK…in the Isle of Wight!), and the personal struggles faced by families in this position. This is a necessary piece of theatre that has the potential to really change the UK, if only it was seen by the right people. Even heartless policy makers can’t remain unaffected by this work, and I really believe it has the gravitas to change so many lives for the better.

The Promise is Deafinitely Theatre’s first co-production with Birmingham REP and Lyric Hammersmith, and it is an absolute triumph. It navigates sensitive themes with grace, yet purpose. It is thought provoking for audiences and in itself is a call to action for positive change, not only in the healthcare system, but also for the deaf education system. The team has crafted the most beautiful piece of art that left its audience in tears, and this show deserves to be seen by the masses, not only as art, but more vitally, to educate.

It is an empowering representation of the possibilities of theatre, demonstrating the power of genuine inclusivity, and the world desperately needs more of this. I absolutely loved it- congratulations team!