A couple (Amara Okereke and Kyle Rowe) settle into a hotel room – he pops champagne, she lounges on the fluffy carpet, red roses are in a vase by the bed – they’re here to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. But as they talk, it becomes clear that not everything is as celebratory as it seems. She is deeply unsettled, aching for a child they’ve never been able to have. His attempts at seduction are not met with affection but with a plea for something darker. As she breaks down in tears, he tries to comfort her, revealing a secret plan he’s been quietly hatching.

In the second section, years have passed. We return to the same hotel room, but now a different couple have checked in. The woman confides that she feels the constant presence of her late mother within her – their memories somehow intertwined. It becomes apparent that the past may be replaying in some strange and disturbing way… 

Some of my favourite plays like BLASTED by Sarah Kane and THE HOTEL PLAYS by Tennessee Williams use the intimacy and confinement of a hotel room to powerful effect. ECHO draws from this setup, but I found it trickier to connect with despite the intention to use the hotel room to expose truths and trauma. While the piece seems to explore themes of control, especially male control over women and their bodies, futures and choices, which are all incredibly relevant and vital issues, I feel the narrative becomes muddled in its own complexity. The twists feel more distracting than illuminating and the emotional responses, particularly in the second half, don’t quite match the weight of the revelations. Having said that, the actors maintain great pace, energy and connection throughout! 

ECHO is on at the King’s Head Theatre til 17th August. Tickets available here.

PR ticket.

Production photos by Lidia Crisafulli.