Frozen by Bryony Lavery – Greenwich Theatre

Synopsis – Set in present-day England, Frozen begins with the disappearance of 10-year-old Rhona, a tragedy that devastates her family and sets the stage for a psychological investigation into the mind of her murderer, Ralph. The story unfolds through a mix of monologues and interactions, gradually revealing the ripple effects of trauma and the complex motivations behind human behavior.

Theatre and Staging

Greenwich Theatre, with its intimate 200-seat space, adds a layer of closeness that amplifies the emotional weight of the story. The creative use of a spinning stage provided an unexpected dynamic that mirrored the characters’ shifting emotions and perspectives. However, the thin canvas separating the performance space from the backstage was slightly distracting at times.

Performances

• Kerry Taylor as Nancy, Rhona’s mother, delivered a heart-wrenching portrayal of grief and resilience. As a parent, it was easy to empathize with her journey, making her story all the more gripping.
• Indra Ové, playing criminal psychologist Agnetha, added depth, though her introduction felt slightly disjointed, leaving the audience piecing together her role in the narrative.
• James Bradshaw embodied Ralph, the murderer, with chilling precision. His calculated demeanor and unsettling pride in his actions were both horrifying and fascinating, reflecting the twisted mind of a serial offender.

Themes and Questions Raised

The play poses uncomfortable yet thought-provoking questions:

• Are killers born evil, or are they shaped by their circumstances?
• Why are we so fascinated by serial killers? Is it our fear, curiosity, or inability to comprehend their actions?

The story also examines the impact of trauma on families, showing the resilience of some and the breaking points of others. Nancy’s confrontation with Ralph, where she brings pictures of her family, was particularly poignant. It forced Ralph to confront the humanity of his victim, albeit briefly, leaving the audience with a sense of unresolved tension.

Content Warning

This production does not shy away from graphic descriptions of violence, including kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. It is a harrowing watch and may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.

Verdict

Bryony Lavery’s Frozen is a raw and emotional masterpiece that forces you to confront the darker sides of humanity while highlighting the resilience of those left behind. While there were moments where the narrative felt slightly fragmented, the overall production was hard-hitting and thought-provoking.

If you’re a fan of true crime or interested in the psychology of criminal behavior, this is a must-see. However, be prepared for its intense and often unsettling content.

James Bradshaw, who played the criminal Ralph, truly en captured his character trait was Organised, and he had a hub for his operation where he stored body parts in systematic order; he proudly said that if the police had asked, he would have gone through it and was angry at how messy and disorganised they were with his things.

He was an opportunist and loved the power/ control he had over his victims. ‘I work within an 80 mile radius and never do work in my area’ stuck in my mind I went to an evening, making a murder, which was very informative in the psychology behind the behaviour.

why people are so fascinated with serial killers? is it because we do not understand them, and they are everything that we fear?

There are 11 common types of serial killers, Very few criminals see that what they have done is wrong or make a remorseful connection to how that person must have been feeling. this is proven when Rhona’s mum gets to meet him all the time, talking with the psychologist, saying he didn’t feel bad or remorseful for his actions

after years she then took pictures to show him her baby and family and the realisation hit, he said i didn’t hurt her “but you did, you took her from her family. Shes terrified and alone and you toyed with her.” that got me, and I couldn’t Forgive. I don’t think that was me, and I would want to see him hurt.

small things that had us confused, but the acting was hard-hitting where you tried to hurt the criminal, not just that there were some funny moments where he swore ( it was when and how he swore that was funny)