Jack Thorne's latest theatrical endeavour, 'Falling', a romance exploring the forbidden relationship between a nun and a priest, has been met with a distinctly negative reception from critics. Despite boasting a stellar cast featuring acclaimed actors Paapa Essiedu and Keeley Hawes in the lead roles, the production has been widely panned for its perceived shortcomings in character development and dialogue.
Reviewers have highlighted a fundamental issue with the portrayal of the central characters, suggesting that Essiedu and Hawes do not 'speak or act like adult human beings'. This criticism points to a disconnect between the actors' calibre and the material they are given, leading to an 'odd' and often unbelievable dynamic on stage. The premise, which aims to explore the intensity of yearning and the obstacles that fuel passion, appears to have fallen short in its execution.
The play's failure to convincingly establish the emotional stakes or the growth of passion between its protagonists has been a recurring theme in critical assessments. The concept of 'yearning', presented as a 'lost art' in contemporary storytelling, is reportedly not adequately explored, with the narrative struggling to create the necessary tension and emotional depth required for such a forbidden romance to resonate with audiences.
Jack Thorne, known for his prolific work across theatre, television, and film, including 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' and 'His Dark Materials', typically brings a certain expectation of quality and narrative sophistication. However, 'Falling' appears to deviate from this standard, with critics deeming it a 'god-awful mess' that squanders its promising premise and talented cast on a poorly constructed script.
The implications for theatregoers are that a production with significant talent attached has not delivered on its potential. For those looking for a compelling exploration of faith, love, and forbidden desires, the current critical consensus suggests 'Falling' may not provide the nuanced or believable narrative they might expect from a work by Jack Thorne and its prominent cast members.