Jonny Peyton-Hill’s Grey Area is non-chronological in format, featuring time jumps within a seven-year relationship. The basis of the play is the relationship between Peter (Lewis Kennedy) and Jackson (Peyton-Hill).

Placed behind the two is a web of mementoes from a relationship, including photographs and tickets. This design by Ioana Curelea shows how the two are interconnected, this is highlighted further when the yarn is wrapped around the two of them at one point. 

Peyton-Hill’s Jackson is likeable and humorous, the performance feels natural and authentic in his endeavour to be there for someone he cares about that’s struggling. Kennedy’s performance is emotive and at times their anguish was palpable. I would have appreciated the further exploration of Bipolar Disorder, we saw the lows but not so much the highs, and because of how short the scenes were we never fully appreciate just how much Peter is struggling. There were some moments which felt slightly overacted, but on the whole, the relationship they portrayed feels genuine.

The use of movement between scene changes is well thought out, symbolising which direction time is jumping in. At times these movements were not as tight and together as they could be, they also were not quite symmetrical, but the concept itself is flawless.

Chiara Virgilio ensures that the play is never difficult to follow, even though we don’t know which order the scenes happen in, we still understand everything which happens within the scenes. I do feel the pacing could be improved, some scenes feel too short and snappy, whereas others feel more drawn out, however, a slightly longer run time would improve the story arc and allow more depth in the characters.

Grey Area explores relatable themes, including mental health, relationships, breakups, and trying to be there for someone. Portraying how even when a relationship ends, we can remain attached and within that person’s life, particularly pertinent in LGBTQIA+ relationships. Peyton-Hill’s script also shows that this isn’t always a good thing, and sometimes this can become toxic. I enjoyed how genuinely honest this depiction of a relationship is, and how the ending doesn’t follow the classic rom-com style (and heteronormative) happy ending, which feels more realistic, relatable, and refreshing.

Some tweaks could be made for this show to fly, but Grey Area has some moments of pure brilliance, and authenticity within its approach. 

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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