Notes to Future Self (Birmingham)

When the central discourse of a production is the untimely death of a fourteen year old girl due to terminal cancer one would expect to leave downhearted and subject to a performance laden with sentimentality. However, Lucy Caldwell’s Notes to Future Self manages to avoid most of these pitfalls and presents its ever entertaining story through the means of an enlightening and engaging script.

The young and terminally ill Sophie is played with an acute recognition for the comedy of the piece by Imogen Doel as she manages to capture the childlike perspective of the unfolding events. Whilst Doel’s ever enthusiastic narration drives the performance and most definitely brings the soul to the production her characterisation can sometimes teeter on being overly childish at times, especially lacking the surprising maturity of most 14 year old’s when discussing subjects such as sex or relationships.

Doel is supported by an adequate if mostly functional cast who serve their part in playing out Sophie’s version of events.

Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction is simplistic, yet effective and utilities the small space of the MAC’s Theatre to its fullest and tries its hardest to bridge the gap between the character of Sophie and her audience.

The most influential element of this production is Lucy Caldwell’s script and the way in which Sophie’s story is told through words, whereas the actual playing out of the action takes a back seat. Whilst not in any ways a bad performance, the essence of what is being told is more important than the actual event.

Ben Wooldridge