What Are We Going to Do When This Is All Over? ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The play centres on married theatre-makers Helen and Alexander. As Helen experiences worsening memory loss, initially thought to be brain fog, Alexander discovers long-held secrets she has kept from him. As the secrets surface, Alexander attempts to protect her, putting himself at risk in a story that takes a dark and emotionally complex turn.

Helen Millington’s direction makes excellent use of the intimate space at the Hen & Chickens Theatre. Opening with Helen slumped over a desk immediately establishes a sense of weakness and uncertainty. The use of letters, music and audience interaction adds variety to the storytelling whilst keeping the focus firmly on the relationship at its centre. The ending was a genuine surprise, introducing a new perspective that made me reconsider what I had seen. The movement direction by Adam Slepowronski complements the musical storytelling, bringing an extra layer of physical expression and helping communicate sentiments that words alone cannot always convey.

The minimalist set, featuring a full-length mirror, two chairs and balloons, works well against the subdued surroundings. The letters strewn across the desk become an important storytelling device, giving glimpses into Helen’s past and reminding us how closely memories are tied to our identity. A gentle blue lighting wash adds to the reflective atmosphere, whilst Samuel McCarthy-Robinson’s sound and lighting operation is well balanced and unobtrusive.

The sound and lighting by Samuel McCarthy-Robinson are well balanced and thoughtfully executed. The subtle changes in lighting, particularly the atmospheric blue wash, help establish the mood, whilst the sound ensures the music and dialogue remain clear. Both elements improve the storytelling without distracting from the performances, demonstrating that sometimes simplicity is the most effective approach.

The book by Alexander Millington explores marriage, family, memory and the secrets we keep from those closest to us. There is a moving emotional richness to the story, with the letters and musical sequences helping to reveal the characters’ pasts and changing relationships. The writing balances humour and tenderness with darker revelations, although the transitions between tones occasionally feel abrupt. Nevertheless, the unexpected ending provides a thought-provoking new perspective on the story and leaves the audience pondering what they have witnessed.

Music is undoubtedly one of the production’s greatest strengths. Songs are integrated into the narrative, gradually becoming shorter and more fragmented as Helen’s memory deteriorates. Rather than simply accompanying the action, the music becomes an essential part of the storytelling. Helen Millington gives a sensitive and expressive performance, particularly through her lip-syncing, using facial expressions and physicality to bring the songs to life. The contrast between Helen’s confidence during these sequences and her vulnerability elsewhere is particularly moving.

Helen Millington delivers a sensitive and expressive performance, portraying Helen’s memory loss with vulnerability without resorting to unnecessary exaggeration. Her lip-syncing is especially effective, using facial expressions and physicality to bring the songs to life and communicate emotions her character increasingly struggles to express. The contrast between her confidence during these musical moments and her insecurity elsewhere is especially moving.

Alexander Millington provides a convincing performance as a husband struggling to understand his wife’s changing world. He captures the frustration, concern and emotional exhaustion that accompany watching someone you love change, whilst the quieter exchanges between the two performers establish a believable relationship. Together, they bring real emotional power to a story about memory, love and the secrets that can shape a marriage.

Ultimately, What Are We Going to Do When This Is All Over? is an imaginative and thought-provoking production that explores memory, relationships and the secrets we carry. Although occasional pacing issues and abrupt tonal shifts prevent it from being entirely seamless, the performances, musical storytelling plus unexpected conclusion have a lasting impression. A moving representation of how deeply our memories shape us, and why we should treasure the times we share with those closest to us.