The Forensics of a Flat (and Other Stories) at Camden People’s Theatre

A line of white tape marks a space in the room, and in it we find a table, a carpet, a cuppa, a projector and the actress. In this modern age romantic monologue we are invited to step inside Francesca’s flat for karaoke, some cheese and wine and a good story about Francesca’s first love. Camden People’s Theatre is currently showing Francesca Millican-Slater’s The Forensics of a Flat (and Other Stories).

The play is set at 288-290 Haunch Lane, Birmingham, in Francesca’s 70s style furnished flat. The artist’s beautifully crafted speech helps to place an image on the most intimate detail and space of her home. Like a first love there are peculiarities with the space but it is for this reason that Francesca is so passionate about it: the old rug, the teak timber walls and the history, images and smells of the flat.

Francesca researches in depth the historical context of the building to find amusing stories that make her fall in love with her flat. In this journey the artist finds stories from the Victorian era of ignorant hostility towards women that she righteously explores.

Reassuringly, Francesca has the assistance of Ian, Nick, Little Jeff and the highly characterised landlord. They make up the story of the inevitable bumps in a relationship with their ridiculous comical and caricature persona. The artist joins them on their journey and reveals a special relationship with the landlord, whom is utmost sympathetic and respectful of her emotional attachment to the flat. Furthermore, the artist’s eccentric sexual desire for her flat is serenaded throughout with songs of love.

This is an incredible one-woman show about an honest, charismatic, clever, sweet and most of all emotive relationship. The play explores and exposes Francesca’s romantic nature and the underlying themes of love and loss. Truly a coming of age tale.

Rafael Cunha

The Forensics of a Flat (and Other Stories) is on at Camden People’s Theatre on the 18^th and 19^th of June 2014. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.