Jacqueline Lipman performs in the solo play NETTLES. Twenty-something Alyona is searching for her identity and sense of belonging while navigating and exploring through the house of a man she knows nothing about.

Finding herself in London with nowhere to stay a friend of a friend tells her she can stay in an empty house in Sloane Square belonging to a man she has never met. Although it appears not to have been lived in for months there’s an unlived-in odour in the air.

Alyona is intrigued by the various possessions and the range of creams and toiletries arranged neatly in the bathroom, many of which are untouched. Taking her time to look through them she begins to design her own back story to the rich stranger who owns the house.

The night on her own gives Alyona time to think back upon her life and reflect. From the potentially dangerous encounter with the rich man who she convinced to spend a fortune in Selfridges on an outfit for her, to the heavy religious painting that travels with her everywhere.

Lipman offers a believable performance using the entire stage area. Her range of expressions adds depth to the storyline and in her moments of danger, you pulled in with her and can feel her urgency to get away.

There are moments of joy, sexual liberation, and anger. These emotions are mixed up within her daydreaming fantasy world and life experiences. The lines between fantasy and reality that she is recalling are often blurred as she falls into slumber after a long journey. 0

For more information about NETTLES please visit the link below.

Three Stars

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nettles