🎭 The Last Time I Saw Caileigh
📍 Barons Court Theatre, 28a Comeragh Road, London, W14 9HR
🗓 Wednesday 12th June 2024
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AN EXPLORATION INTO THE FLUIDITY OF GENDER
Every now and then a production comes along which the world needs to see and THE LAST TIME I SAW CAILEIGH easily falls into this category. This piece was devised in a collaboration of a small ensemble at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London at the end of 2022.
In the 18 months since it's creation the show has been further developed and is currently playing a run at London's Barons Court Theatre, a great venue which pushes boundaries and champions new theatre.
THE LAST TIME I SAW CAILEIGH follows the events which lead up to the disappearance of central character Caileigh who has been questioning their identity and recently came out as non-binary, using them/they pronouns.
The story looks at three of Caileigh's relationships - with their boyfriend Faruk, their aunt Maureen and friend Maxime - and how their interactions within these relationships over a few days could have contributed to their disappearance.
The three of them come together to discuss these interactions in a bid to search for clues as to where Caileigh could be, and maybe even to assign blame to each other as they are all feeling guilty. One thing they do share is a love for Caileigh and the want for their safe return.
Victoria Sasso gives a believably raw performance as Caileigh as we follow them on their journey of self discovery. The scene where they have a panic attack is a sublime piece of theatre acted with grace and dignity. A truly breathtaking watch.
There is a real authenticity in Sasso's performance as we follow them as they struggle with accepting their body and figuring out not only their identity but where they fit in the world.
There is something rather charming about Harun Ćehović as Faruk. The ultimate supportive partner, even he has his own struggles as he tries to help Caileigh navigate their experience. You can feel the love and compassion that he has for Caileigh and it is endearing to watch him work through his own journey of acceptance.
As Caileigh's aunt Maureen, Tiffany Elana King finds it difficult to accept their gender identity and purposely mis-genders them. She obviously cares for them a lot but seems more concerned with the views and perceptions of others than sticking by them.
She does eventually refer to Caileigh with they/them pronouns, almost accidentally, as she realises that it is the person she loves and nothing else matters.
What this play does expertly is it never makes a villain out of characters with different viewpoints. No matter your background or personal circumstances, you find it possible to empathise with each character and understand where they're coming from even if you don't necessarily agree with their views.
The final character is friend Maxime. Matthias Moret is perfect in the role and as a gay man myself I found him the easiest character to connect with. He is supportive of Caileigh and the only one to contantly refer to them correctly.
Laying the blame for Caileigh's disappearance at the feet of the other two, we realise that he could have also contributed as he gives a unpretentious and real performance.
This play is groundbreaking in its honesty and humanity and it feels like the show has come at a time when it is desperately needs to be seen. When the world is using the community for political gain, THE LAST TIME I SAW CAILEIGH reminds us that behind every policy and manifesto pledge are real people.
One thing that each actor brings to their role is utter believability and it is a real joy to witness such a fantastic company bring this important story to the stage.
THE LAST TIME I SAW CAILEIGH is needed now more than ever and is NOT TO BE MISSED. The show is currently playing at Barons Court Theatre until Saturday 22nd June. Click here to book tickets and thank me later!
Neill Kovacic-Clarke
All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.
My ticket for this performance of The Last Time I Saw Caileigh was gifted by the show's creative team who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.
CAST LIST:
Victoria Sasso as Caileigh; Harun Ćehović as Faruk; Matthias Moret as Maxime; Tiffany Elana King as Maureen
RUNNING TIME (approx):
1 hour, with no interval
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Homophobia and Transphobia; Use of homophobic / transphobic language; Strong language; Scenes of a sexual nature; Mentions of abuse; Discussions around mental health; Depiction of a panic attack; Flashing lights
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