A devastating drama on the agony of choice
A 95-minute emotional whirlwind Guess How Much I Love You? Never slows down. The opening production of Royal Court’s 70th Anniversary Season, artistic director David Byrne wanted to begin the year with a brand-new play. Honouring the theatre’s history of supporting fresh, daring scripts from all kinds of writers.
With surprisingly extensive trigger warnings given out on cards, this play delves into the trauma of child loss and the choices parents make to give their children the best chance at life. Written by actor Luke Norris, this drama is predominately a two-hander between Him (Robert Aramayo) and Her (Rosie Sheehy).
This is a play clearly written by an actor, as Norris serves up chances to take the spotlight on a platter to the performers. Emotionally-charged monologues, scathing one-liners and effortlessly witty repartees allow the actors to show off their full range. Although the play itself doesn’t really go anywhere, it is a masterclass in naturalism and the cast really shine.
Sheehy plays a sharp-tongued independent Her, perfectly mismatched with Aramayo’s more subdued and cerebral Him. Although the couple experience great trauma and grief together, they are always a terrible pairing, unkind to each other from the start. This relatable writing holds a mirror up to the world, with so many couples desperate for children to save their relationship from the impending doom of death by bicker.
Director Jeremy Herrin creates fast-paced scenes ending in dramatic blackouts, heightening audience emotions, assisted by Grace Smart’s stage design. A rotating stage allows for swift set changes into various intimate environments – a bedroom, a birthing suite, a funeral parlour waiting room. It’s a glimpse into the private lives of a couple experiencing something horrific, yet more ordinary than we’d care to imagine.
The chemistry (or lack thereof), between Sheehy and Aramayo is so intense it takes your breath away. Things are said that would signify immediate divorce for some, but for these two it’s no deterrent. Sheehy explores a tremendous emotional arc and is counteracted perfectly by Lena Kaur, playing a calm and measured midwife at just the right moment.
A beautifully written and performed play, it lacks a deeper layer that could really elevate the script. However, despite occasionally tipping into the melodramatic it still retains a deep emotional resonance and truth, making it highly compelling from start to final bows.