Ladybird at the New Diorama Theatre

After the fall of Communism in Soviet Russia, there was a rush of excitement about the possibility of the new freedoms that were suddenly made available. Material goods such as cars, fur coats and gorgeous houses were now seemingly in the grasp of those who had previously had to make do with the basics. But as soon as the possibilities were on offer, they were snatched away by a growing band of oligarchs who bent on plundering Russia’s natural resources for their own personal gain.

Vassily Sigarev’s play looks at those left looking for scraps in the new social order. Dima (Charlie Archer) is a deadbeat about to join the army. On the eve of his conscription, a group of his friends gather to see him off. Among them are his junkie flatmate Slavik, highly-strung prostitute Lera (Bethan Cullinane) and her beguiling cousin Yulika (Molly Gromadski). Also dropping in, literally, is Dima’s father (Chris Hammond), another soused soul whose feet are as unsteady as his ability to function within the new society.

Added to the mix is local businessman Arkasha who comes by to pick up the memorial plates stolen by Dima and Slavik from the nearby cemetery. The symbolism of the trade is apt; the relics of the old order sold off to enrich the new.

The first half of the play simmers with the tensions facing each of the characters without being truly engaging. However, after the interval, the action becomes much more engrossing as the starkness of Dima and Lera’s predicament becomes clear and how their attempts at formulating any kind of ambition only serve to illuminate how forlorn their situation truly is. Cullinane’s performance embodies the difference between the acts. In the first, she is unrestrained rather than charismatic, unwieldy rather than giddy over her imagined good fortune. In the second half, she is much more captivating, channelling a Blanche DuBois-like naivety about what her future might hold.

Another compelling performance is that of Gromadski, the apparent ingenue who reveals herself to be something much more sinister. The scene in which the mask slips is glorious and terrifying in equal measure as Yulika’s eyes widen and a rictus grin begins to spread. The rest of the cast play their parts in what is a well-drilled ensemble.

This play might come at exactly the wrong time of the year with the unrelenting bleakness at the centre of the play clashing with the seasonal homilies goodwill and cheer. There is no hope of the characters being redeemed or finding happiness. But it is a well-written, finely-acted piece of theatre that takes an unflinching look at those who have it bad when times are supposed to be good.

Ladybird runs until Saturday 22 December at:

The New Diorama Theatre
15-16 Triton Street
Regents Place
Regents Park
NW1 3BF

Tel: 0844 209 0344