Review: Vermin (Park Theatre)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️

The smaller space in Finsbury Park’s Park Theatre is currently playing host to two shows back-to-back. Following (God Save My) Northern Soul, audiences can stick around for Vermin – a dark story about what might be lurking beneath the surface. Would this be a show worth catching?

Vermin is a story told by couple Billy and Rachel. Speaking directly to the audience, they recount how they first met at a stranger’s suicide attempt. The action then leaps forward to the established couple in their dream home, only to find it invaded by rats. As they both have very differing reactions to the unexpected guests, the foundation they built begins to fall apart, as their own battles threaten to put an end to their love affair.

Written by Benny Ainsworth, Vermin isn’t subtle in its comparisons between the infestation and how what is happening reflects in their own behaviours. That said, it is a clever idea and one that is executed fairly well. As the cracks begin to show, both Billy and Rachel’s battles with compulsions and their mental health are explored in an interesting way, albeit not perfectly. The discovery of the vermin provides a great tool for exposition and self-discovery, furthering the plot along and mirroring their stories.

The problem is Vermin doesn’t always find its footing and relies on shock value at the expense of the writing. The descriptions of what is going on can be extremely gory at times, making for an uncomfortable watch. While I have never had an issue with shows that are uncomfortable, this one perhaps crosses the line of good taste, and the explicit nature of what they describe could have had more of an impact had it been reigned in, allowing the skill in the writing displayed elsewhere to shine.

Directed by Michael Parker, all that is present on stage are two chairs, allowing for no distractions, and the audience to focus on the intense performance from the two actors. A fantastic use of sound design from Alex Lewer and lighting from Alex Lewer plunges you into the setting in an atmospheric way that immerses you before the show even begins. The direction of how these two performers connect with the audience elevates the material and ramps up the intensity, making it all the more disturbing – for better or worse.

Benny Ainsworth and Sally Paffett take on the roles of Billy and Rachel, both delivering fantastic performances in their own right. The way they banter and bicker with each other, breaking the fourth wall as they decide who will be telling each part of the story, and making uncomfortable eye contact with the audience as they do this adds to their performance, as both prove themselves to be incredibly talented. Different in their approaches but consistent in their quality, it makes for a captivating watch.

Both performers are at their best in their heightened moments. Ainsworth gets some exaggerated moments as he recounts his unsavoury passion and falling back into his old ways, but it is Paffett who provides the highlight of the piece in an extended monologue dealing with an unimaginable loss. Though this moment seemingly comes out of nowhere and pulls the rug out from under you, Paffett navigates this sharp turn in magnificent fashion with an emotive turn that left me hanging on her every word.

There is no doubt that Vermin has its moments and some great things going for it, namely in the incredible performances and atmospheric setting. Ultimately, it is the writing that proves the problem with the piece, with its uneven nature making it fail to land its message. Though it has laid the right traps to catch success in this writing, a bit more time and patience may be needed to really land the kill.

Vermin plays at Park Theatre until 20^th September. Tickets from https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/vermin/