Naomi

Naomi is a masterclass in acting by Patrick Livesey! By taking us into the lives of eight people associated with his mother up to her death by suicide, Livesey shares her story in the knowledge that understanding her plight may help more people to find a way out of their darkness.

In a simple black box set, designed by Xandra Roberts, only relieved by a large triangle filled with chicken wire and enclosed by lights where treasured memories of his mother are placed, Noami’s story is unravelled, set to a moody score by Biddy Connor. The stage is lit economically by Matt Ralph except for eight lights across the front of the stage to represent the people featured in Naomi’s story. In the all too brief sixty brief minutes, we are introduced to Vince, her husband, her friend Nora, her female children and her mother, among others.

Bronwen Coleman’s direction rightly focuses on Livesey’s ability to immerse himself thoroughly in the material. As he walks into each light it’s as if the character that lives in that light inhabits his body and he becomes that character for a brief time. It is mesmerising to watch!