Beyond Belief at the Unity Theatre Liverpool Review

Reviewed by Jan Mellor

I entered the intimate theatre in Liverpool not knowing at all what to expect from this performance. The majority of the audience were of student age who sat chatting excitedly awaiting the start of this one-hour show. The stage comprised of 2 large ‘techno blocks that housed 2 TV screens and 4 boxes that 4 actors stood on as if in trances as they swayed around silently on them. The effect was transactional immediately and we felt in a different dimension from the onset. The TV screens tuned in and asked us if we wanted to ‘live forever’. As the TV’s shut down the 4 bodies ‘come to life’ and the 4 comically sing and dance to a song around ‘technology’. 2 of the 4-people become animated/real and as Simon and Chloe fall in love and are married. Chloe soon feels pain and dies, and Simon is sent into a frenzy of grief and panic. Serene moves of their interpretation of grief works well as ‘Beyond Belief’ encourages the foursome to move from their souls and into the world of the everlasting soul. From this ‘Elvis’ appears (a very good imitation) and sings ‘Love Me Tender’. Following Chloe’s death people show Simon remorse and sadness for his loss, but he is in total turmoil. The depth of grief was portrayed very well, and the audience felt his pain with him. Beyond Belief staff want to persuade Simon to let Chloe ‘come back’ and the TV’s spark into life stating ‘your mind is software. Death is a disease – cure it’. Simon gives in and the BB team ‘work on’ Chloe to bring her back to life. The couple are joyously reunited but this is short-lived and soon ‘Chloe’ malfunctioned. Chloe begs Simon to ‘turn her off’ and he does. Chloe dies again and is received by Elvis (again) to take her to ‘heaven’. The performance ends with Beyond Belief promising us a world where we don’t have to die, and we can live forever. but at what price?

A very thought-provoking show with the 4 cast ‘owning’ the stage professionally and with notable talent and skill. The props and design of the stage worked very well. I heard the punters comment positively as they left saying how great it was to see the show live (obviously who were aware of this play). An enjoyable performance.

A great concept – executed with great talent.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £10 to £14.50 (booking fees may apply).

Beyond Belief is at the Unity Theatre in Liverpool from 28 September to 6 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk or call the box office on 0151 709 4988.

Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG | 0151 709 4988