Review: Infectious, Wardrobe Theatre

The cosy Wardrobe Theatre transforms itself to stretch the length of the room for this debut production by new Bristol company Welded Theatre.

Set in the imagined future of 2049, Infectious follows the inhabitants of the small town of Tollhouse as they struggle with state-imposed regulations – particularly those which restrict their libidos. With the right balance of comic flashes and sinister twists, this is a neatly executed, thought-provoking production, with satisfyingly dark undertones for those with an appetite for dystopia.

Jovial Sam (Justin Palmer) and earnest Molly (Anna McKiernan) meet through the prevalent digital app Facechat. This virtual take on boy-meets-girl frustrates the pair, and leaves them aching with the desire to physically touch – a prohibited action in a world where human contact could result in a deadly ‘infection’, and where a common cold wipes out an entire town. Together with the insufferable Maggie (Stephanie Crothers) and her husband, ‘first-rank’ police officer Jacob (Andrew Kingston), the four take tactility to a new level… with dire consequences.

Acting is consistent across the board, with local do-gooder Molly rendered sensitively by McKiernan, who impressively conjures a real tear during an emotional scene. The warm male characters prove a biting contrast to Maggie’s harsh persona, yet in a well-choreographed dance scene the four characters unite to create a mood of relief in the face of adversity. Lighting is cleverly used, with spotlights shining upon each actor intermittently for their fragments of monologues, which provide just enough insight into what has happened to allow the audience to put the pieces together themselves.

However, the problem with dystopia is that it can easily slip into clichés. Infectious almost manages to avoid this, as the relatively near future it portrays is a recognisable extension of the present – we’re onto Apple 40 phones now, while the coconut water fad has reached peak levels (and it doesn’t seem too awful).

But there are still booming disembodied voices, the clipped tones of a state official (the commendable Slavka Liskova as Mrs A) and the oppression of an imposed regime, which are almost so predictable in this genre that they somewhat compromise the play’s impact. That said, the affable chemistry between Molly and Sam works through this to prove that a mere pair of latex gloves really are a barrier beyond belief.

This is neither Brave New World nor an Orwellian nightmare, but it is a captivating bubble that will absorb you for just over an hour. Infectious is a successful take on modern love, technology and contagiousness – and whether or not to believe the state when it appears that they might actually be looking out for you.

Infectious continues at the Wardrobe Theatre until Friday, April 24. For more info and to book tickets, visit thewardrobetheatre.com/#/infectious/4587662577