The Life and Loves of a Nobody at The Albany

Experimental theatre company Third Angel brings The Life and Loves of a Nobody to stage, the story of Rachel, an unremarkable young woman with an unremarkable life. The play’s two engaging narrators, Rachael Walton (also the author) and Nick Chambers, chart the protagonist’s life from before birth up to her present situation as a care worker. Recalling Rachel’s childhood dreams, the narrators lead the audience gently on to her disappointing relationships and depressing work life: she is a woman dissatisfied with her lot.

Third Angel’s staging is artistic, fearless and delicate. The narrators themselves create the predominantly paper sets before the eyes of the audience. Initially the assembly feels time-consuming, but the scenes that follow justify the lengthy duration, creating some simple yet visually stunning moments. The sets are built up only to be torn down moments later, matching the trajectory of Rachel’s trials. While some audience members didn’t appreciate having bread rolls thrown at them – one was returned to the stage at an inopportune moment – the cast didn’t allow it to affect the performance.

The Life and Loves of a Nobody is a beautifully crafted, innovative piece of contemporary art, commenting on the collective desperation to be a “somebody” evident in our society that alters our perceptions of success and happiness. The media is flooded with people we didn’t recognise yesterday and probably won’t tomorrow, gaining celebrity without clear reason or apparent talent. The Life and Loves of a Nobody encourages the audience to honestly question their own personal desires for fame and their fears of living a mediocre life. How many feel that they have missed the boat? How many would consider going to the lengths that Rachel is willing to go to? Third Angel is a company to follow for their poignant comments on modern-day society.

Tina Squatley-Thrust

The Life and Loves of a Nobody is on at The Albany until 7^th February 2015, for further information or to book visit here.