A new play that's as much about ice cream as it isn’t, 'The Marvellous Life of Carlo Gatti' is a must-see new production from Theatre Works, a beautiful, touching and thought-provoking piece that will leave you elated by the magic of human connection.
Written by Cassandra-Elli Yiannacou and directed by Chris Hosking, The Marvellous Life of Carlo Gatti takes advantage of Theatre Works’ new venue, the Explosives Factory.
A far smaller black box theatre, the Explosives Factory lends itself wonderfully to new works such as this and I hope to see this venue championing more work like this. Sitting down in front of an elevated stage, chairs and bookcases, the scene was immediately set for a show that didn’t shy away from connecting to its audience.
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Following the lives of three unlikely friends, the play begins with a disillusioned psychologist from 2017, played by Shamita Siva, and an Elton John-obsessed physicist in 1983, played by El Kiley, seemingly connected by the inexplicable presence of a neighbour playing Liszt on the piano upstairs. Thanks to the unexplainable nature of time, something a physicist finds hard to turn away from, the two meet upon their apartment rooftop only to meet Connor Dariol’s character, a Victorian-era pianist who, despite standing in front of them, has been dead for a very long time.
Seemingly disparate elements intertwine and meld melodically, while elements of classical music, quantum physics and the history of ice cream somehow combining in elucidating and intricate ways – all of which are a joy to watch. As weird as these concepts are, this show is, at its heart, a story about loneliness and finding your people: how creating a family of your own can give your life new purpose. Yiannacou creates such beautifully uplifting moments, ones I wish I could describe as they continue to stick in my mind, but they are made all the more heart-wrenching by the tragedy that follows.
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The leading trio are brought wonderfully to life. Connor Dariol’s cute quaintness speaks volumes for his character, with lovely moments of comedy delivered with precision. El Kiley plays the character of the physicist with all the giddy awkwardness that a die-hard Elton John fan can’t hide. The fed-up psychologist that Shamita Siva offers us constitutes a wide range of emotions, hidden under a casual demeanour. Locked together, this cast brings the play’s many ensemble moments to life: this is where the performance truly shines.
Fascinatingly written and tightly directed, The Marvellous Life of Carlo Gatti is a dark comedy that should be seen by all lovers of new theatre. Unknown history and dense scientific jargon abound, but ultimately this show will leave you in full knowledge of the power of human connection.
The Marvellous Life of Carlo Gatti runs until August 13, buy tickets here.
