Written and performed by Verity Mullan. Presented by Orange Squeeze Theatre Company
Climate anxiety, recycling and dating in the modern world revolve in a production that is more than just a “single use” production
Reviewed by Amber Spooner
Season Has Ended
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 3
4.5 STARS
Single Use follows Ella, a 27 year old who works in a failing bar, owns an allotment patch she never visits and loves deliveroo. When her water bottle washes up in Malaysia, Ella’s life is thrown into chaos. Writer and performer Verity Mullan isn’t afraid to expose the ugly truth that we all don’t want to admit – plastics are here to stay and not enough is being done about their damage.
Performed in the intimate Bunker 3, this sharp, witty comedy is a delight to watch. Mullan masterfully brings Ella to life, clearly portraying her relationships with those around her and how they shape and change Ella over the course of the piece. Her facial expressions are hilarious and she’s able to convey so much without needing to say a word.
The sound design is excellent, helping create the world that Ella inhabits. It’s multi-layered and complex, always ready to surprise an audience as things get more hectic.
The play investigates climate anxiety, recycling, emotional distance and dating in the modern world. It’s a lot to cover in an hour, and potentially leaves the audience without a clear message to leave with. Despite this, Single Use is a wonderful addition to new writing and I look forward to seeing where it goes next.
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