Review: The Departure at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle

Invited: Review by Stephen Stokoe 11 September 2026

Absolutely fantastic to be back at the wonderful space that is Alphabetti Theatre where you can be sure of a warm welcome and a smile from everyone who works there. Alphabetti Theatre is going through something of a renovation which, I am delighted to hear, will culminate in a grand relaunch in the new year. I cannot wait for that and I wish the management team all the best for it.

Tonight I was treated to a world premiére of a play written by Tom Wells (Eastenders and Waterloo Road) as part of Alphabetti’s monthly Work In Progress offering which offers a space for people to develop their new material over a short period of time in their rehearsal and performance spaces. I think it would be a stretch to call The Departure a work in progress given the polished performance these two actors put in this evening.

The story follows two very disparate strangers who are thrust together and navigate their apparently similar woes within their lives. It is a very interesting study in coping with grief, loss, troubled childhoods and elements of superstition colliding with science. The title in itself is clever in that it could mean one thing but equally and justifiably another.

As the audience enter the auditorium they are greeted by Ross (Tom Wells) who has made himself quite comfortable in his flat. He is on the phone and is on hold. The opening is humorous in that I have no doubt everyone has been in the same position. I do not want to say too much about it because it is a fantastic example of how to open a play using physical acting, some stage wizardry, and a very relatable situation.

We learn in quick succession that this is not actually Ross’s flat but one he has been given permission to stay in by his friend when the rightful occupant Lily (Harriet Chomley) arrives home having been away dealing with a family bereavement. As Lily enters, Ross hides to attire himself a little more appropriately and we learn of some of Lily’s angst and worries before a serendipitous meeting of different minds and philosophies play out in a real time coming together.

The staging is minimal but what there is perfectly complements the action of the whole play. It’s a tidy flat – made more homely and lived in by Ross’s belongings. There is a unique ornament reflecting Lily’s scientific education. The action is interrupted by gadgets and intercoms which is used to dramatic effect very effectively indeed.

Writer and performer Wells told me after the show that this was an idea five years in the making and collaborator, tech wrangler, and director Jay Ford had been instrumental in honing it into the polished performance I enjoyed this evening. Ford for his part alluded that Wells himself was responsible for the piece of technical magic that amused me so much. I am still not telling you what it is, though. No spoilers here!

Wells puts in a masterful and engaging performance as fencer Ross who has ideas of leaving his life in the UK to start again by himself in Australia. You cannot help but like Ross with his meagre possessions and much loved old-fashioned pocket watch which used to belong to his grandfather and he utilises in a very unique way. Chomley is superb as Lily, who unlike the nervy but affable Ross, is aloof, highly strung, and neurotic. As we learn more about what has made them the way they are we see the parallels in their experiences and personalities.

I really enjoyed this play which runs for around 85 minutes. The time simply flew by as the clever dialogue keeps you guessing and there is a delicious soap opera style ending which also made me smile. It is amazing how many characters you feel you know despite there being only two performers. Credit has to be given to the playwright for this. It’s very clever indeed.

This was the only showing of The Departure in the north east as it opens in London at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre in Kentish Town on Tuesday.

Photo Credits: Jay Ford

https://www.thelionandunicorntheatre.com/whats-on