Gripping performances from Gerard Horan as Tim and Charlie Beck as Marcus anchor David Pearson's tender yet underdeveloped drama, Firewing, at Hampstead theatre. The play unfolds in a remote bird hide, where a young aspiring wildlife photographer, Marcus, arrives for an apprenticeship with the seasoned Tim. "No one can hear you scream around here," Tim warns, his grumpy demeanour carrying its own threat. Despite their awkward initial interactions, the two slowly discover shared roots in a downtrodden housing estate and haunting family histories.
Plot and Performances
Pearson's script reveals its intentions gradually, under Alice Hamilton's sensitive direction. The pacing is gentle, though the narrative arc lacks full dramatic force. Nonetheless, the writing is keen, tender, and funny, with an affectionate emotional undertow building between the men. Marcus once captured a remarkable image of a fish eagle, earning his place at the hide. Their conversations about photography are engaging and intelligent, touching on moral obligations in extreme situations and the contested "truth" of a photograph.
Themes and Symbolism
The title references a rare Siberian bird never before photographed outside Russia, pointing to the disputed authenticity of a photo Tim claims to have taken in Britain. The play also offers snide glances at how iPhones and AI have debased the art form, though this could have been more fully explored. Ultimately, Firewing is as much about fathers and sons as about creativity or mentorship. Both men grapple with complicated paternal relationships, but the structure enacts only one of these, with a too-neat ending.
Despite its shortcomings, the play boasts rich subject matter and gripping performances. Hampstead's downstairs space for emerging writers continues to reveal talent in the making. Firewing runs until 23 May at Hampstead theatre, London.
