Space age play Supernova is heading to Clapham’s Omnibus Theatre after completing a three-day limited run at VAULT Festival last month.
Focusing on a girl, a boy and an unhealthy obsession with space, Supernova is described as a sharp, funny play about falling in love with someone whilst you’re falling out of love with yourself.
On paper Tess and Harry are perfect for each other: they both try too hard at fancy dress, have prepared escape plans for the apocalypse, and would happily stay in together for three days straight eating take-out and watching Star Wars.
But Tess is not well, and, in the shadows of her depression, she shuts down and she begins to sabotage her relationship. Harry tries his best to be there for her, but whilst he’s fighting for their relationship, sometimes Tess is just … fighting.
Supernova marks the debut play from award-winning writer and performer Rhiannon Neads, one half of musical comedy duo Stiff & Kitsch. Neads (Call the Midwife) also stars in the play with Sam Swann (Pomona).
The play is directed by by Jessica Dromgoole (The Madness of Esme and Shaz, Ripped, Just Not Fair).
“I wanted to write a show about mental health that was also properly funny,” Neads says. “A show with a high-functioning depressive as the protagonist, who allows us to laugh in even the darkest moments. It deals with the greater impact depression can have on surrounding loved ones, and the difficulties of maintaining relationships. But first and foremost, it’s about the potential for recovery, and the possibility of making peace with the scariest corners of our brains.”
Supernova will run at Omnibus Theatre from April 25-May 13.