Heisenberg @ The Arcola Theatre Review

Heisenberg is a warm, funny, and unexpected love story about two women who meet by chance at Euston Station. It’s a theatre rom-com that actually feels good to watch. The story unfolds in a restrained, masterful way, and as you’d expect from a two-hander, there is a LOT of dialogue. Sometimes it gets a bit much, but I think it’s worth sticking with.

There’s a dance scene that breaks up the long-form talking format and it’s such a lovely, welcome moment. They have real chemistry. Georgie played by Faline England leans into that classic manic pixie territory, a little insufferable at times — especially the way she sort of crafts this alternate version of her life just to impress Alex, the older butch lesbian, a butcher played by Jenny Galloway. Saying she worked at Ottolenghi, for example. There’s something deeply relatable and cringe about that — the curated self we all put forward, like on social media. She wants so badly to connect, and that desperation is laid bare in a way that’s uncomfortable to watch but also honest. They both crave to be seen, to be wanted.

There are really charming, intimate moments — like when they’re asleep together, or dancing — but also scenes that bring you right into the mess of it, like when one character randomly shows up at the other’s workplace. It’s bold and weird and kind of mortifying, and it says something about the choices we make in the name of connection. Things we would never do — until we do them.

Both Jenny Galloway and Faline England are brilliant. The American character Georgie is a bit much at times, but she also brings this raw, naked wanting that stays with you. Alex is played with hilarious British charm and restraint, it’s a joy to watch her unfold herself through the play, more laughs and smiles lining her face than stoic contemplation.