When I saw the publicity information about Dumping, I bought a ticket instantly, as it really appealed to me, firstly because of the subject matter and secondly as a work in progress by writer and director Alex Summer Milne.
We have all had friendships that have come and gone, but to see a play about how to have “The Chat” when one person feels a friendship has come to an end was an interesting concept.
Bea (Mollie Semple) and Alana (Amelia O’Loughlin) have been friends for a long time but their lives are quite different now, and Bea feels like their friendship has run its course. The play is performed as a series of conversations which gives some backstory about the friendship as it was in the past, and how it has changed. I have to say, the performances by both actors were fantastic.
I did enjoy seeing this preview of Dumping and I particularly enjoyed the way both of the characters had likeable traits but my thoughts about both of them changed as the show progressed. The different lives they now have gave room for conversations that make you think, and at times are also funny.
I do feel that perhaps Dumping might work better without an interval, and perhaps shaving down the length of it slightly. This would make it pack even more of a punch.
It will be interesting to see how this play develops. I definitely would like to see more by Alex Summer Milne in future.
⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Cockpit is a pleasant stroll from Marylebone station. It has a bar area in the foyer with plenty of seating. If you get there early (as I did) it is a good place to relax before a show.
