I adore the orange overground train which makes Kilburn, home of the Tricycle Theatre, such an easy destination for me. This boutique theatre has quite a reputation for its exciting and thought-provoking productions over the last few years. I’ve missed many of their great shows so was delighted to be visiting to review ‘A Slow Air’ written and directed by David Harrower.

Only eighty minutes with no interval, ‘A Slow Air’ gets off to a leisurely start but as I found myself investing more in the narrative, the production gathered momentum and became more engaging. The two characters, Athol and Morna are onstage throughout, with only a chair each for a prop. They have little help from the minimal set. The estranged brother and sister take it in turns (never interacting) to speak about a devastating family feud from either side of the stage. It is a touching and angry, if all too common story.

Living in different in different regions of Scotland, there is an obvious distance between them, but it is the actors’ performances that really bring the monologues to life.

Lewis Howden gives a genuine and heartfelt performance as Athol. He is convincing and imaginative in his speech and a pleasure to watch on stage.

Susan Vidler is perhaps less captivating as Morna though her wry and well timed humour is occasionally very funny. She occasionally falters with her monologues and unfortunately her uncertainties distracted me.

This is a humble and enjoyable production from one of London’s most exciting little theatres.

Ps. We tried a nearby eatery ‘Small and Beautiful’ and were not impressed with the grumpy service and unexciting grub, I’d love to hear if you have any food suggestions in Kilburn for my next Tricycle visit…

Continues until June 2nd, book here.