Echo at King’s Head Theatre
With an evocative premise, Susan Eve Haar’s psychological thriller Echo presents intense conflicts alongside an exploration of the ethics of science, relationships and the nature of being. While the expansive plot sometimes leaves character threads underexplored, the strong acting and engaging core plotline retain their grip on the audience, resulting in a satisfactory evening.
She (Amara Okereke) and He (Kyle Rowe) check into a dingy hotel to celebrate their tenth anniversary. In his struggles to satisfy her despite her frustrations at being unable to conceive a child, the rendezvous descends into a surreal exploration of violent sex until he reveals an unorthodox solution to her predicament. 20 years later, another couple arrives: the daughter of the original Her, accompanied by her elderly boyfriend; she struggles with existential dread in the knowledge of her unusual origins.
While the play convincingly portrays clear thematic links between the frustrated would-be mother and her child, the dramatic connection remains severed: both core stakes are fascinating but feel emotionally disjointed and, thereby, underexplored since the already brief runtime of 80 minutes is cut into two separate parts with entirely different conflicts. While the performances of both Okereke and Rowe remain charismatic and utterly convincing throughout the production, one cannot help but wonder whether splitting the two-hander into separate parts with a full exploration of each act might have led to a stronger storyline.
Nevertheless, the core premise remains intriguing, and a strong production by Abigail Zealey-Bess makes for an entertaining evening. The set and costumes by Peiyao Wang with simple, straightforward props immediately conjure the vision of a run-down motel somewhere in the fringes of New York. Daniel Carter-Brennan’s lighting, meanwhile, works some subtle magic to emphasise the broody, uncanny atmosphere of the setting.
As such, Echo is certainly worth a watch. With a plot reminiscent of Never Let Me Go or Blueprint: Blaupause, the play finds itself in good company and should provide a stimulating experience for most audiences.
Michael Higgs
Photos: Lidia Crisafulli
Echo is at King’s Head Theatre from 23rd July until 17th August 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for Echo at King’s Head Theatre here:
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