Other Reviews
High Life - performed at Hampstead Theatre
Reviewed by Elixir, 6/10
'High Life' is Lizzy Dijeh's debut play. Set in the present day, it focuses on two Nigerian families with a close relationship living in England. The daughter in one of the families has committed suicide, and the play explores both her family's and the other family's reactions.
The casting for this production was an excellent choice. The two youngest actors, who both attend Identity Drama School, gave a very moving, believable performance that highlighted their relationships with the deceased girl and how her death affected them. The adults, too, expressed their total grief whilst wrestling with their personal demons.
The plot of the play has clearly been well-developed and seems a subject close to the playwright’s heart but there could be improvement within the dialogue. Some scenes seem to plod and the audience somewhat lose focus as many conversations within the play are extended for such a long time. The message in the play is poignant but could be delivered more concisely and with more scene breaks. Overall, however, I enjoyed ‘High Life’ and was disappointed to see that its run in Hampstead Theatre was not particularly long!