The Inseparables was originally written over 70 years ago by Simone de Beauvoir. However, it was only published in 2020. The semi-biographical novella tells the story of two young girls whose friendship stands the test of time and outside influences that attempt to break up their friendship.

Grace Joy Howarth has adapted the novella while remaining close to the original text. The play is set into two Acts. Act One Childhood and Act Two Adulthood. The play delivers exactly that.

Friends Sylvie played by Ayesta Yesta and Andrée (Lara Manela) start their onstage friendship at the age of 9 although if I hadn’t known that I would have thought they were both in there early teens. Their onstage rapport is strong and offers a believable performance as two friends navigating together through School, University and the trials of life.

Caroline Trowbridge plays the overprotective Mother to Andrée who initially attempts to come between the friendship.  However, as her daughter becomes more withdrawn and unwell she realises that Sylvie has a positive effect on her and becomes accepting of their friendship. As the storyline develops we understand more about her character and why she behaves protectively.

Alexandra Costet Barmada takes on the roles of the two “love interests” involved with Andrée. Both of the men are undeveloped characters and the audience never fully learns who they are and if they would be suited as a long-term partner.

The projected images are used on the window frame at the back. of the stage have been created by Jessica Brauners’s video design. The beautiful colours used in the church-stained glass window scene add some colour to the set and place the characters into their settings without adding anything else to the stage. Simple and effective.

The Inseparables isn’t an earth-shattering Theatre production. However, it is a tender and intimate story about how friendship develops, nurtures and matures as we grow up. Friendship isn’t measured by the longevity in The Inseparables it is about understanding and simply just being there for each other. Until life is cut short by illness.

For more information about The Inseparables and future productions at The Finborough please visit the link below.

Three Stars.

The Inseparables

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/442412/the-inseparables-by-beauvoir-simone-de/9781784878467

Production Team
Director
Anastasia Bunce

Set Designer
Hazel Poole Zane

Lighting Designer
Abraham Walkling-Lea

Sound Designer
Flick Isaac Chilton

Movement Director
Daniela Poch

Video Designer
Jessica Brauner

Intimacy Coordinator
Justin Stirewalt

Stage Manager
Kiara Atkinson

Producer
Presented by Conjureman Productions and Inseparable Productions in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre.

Cast
Alexandre Costet-Barmada
Lara Manela
Ayesha Ostler
Caroline Trowbridge