Dark comedy Vermin, written by Benny Ainsworth and directed by Michael Parker, has been nominated for three Offies.
Following cult success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022, Vermin made its London debut at the Arcola Theatre earlier this month. A slick two-hander, Vermin brings together sharp new writing, tight direction and two blistering lead performances to bring the audience on a darkly comic journey into horrors all too real. Both stars, Sally Paffett and Benny Ainsworth, have been nominated within the Lead Performance category, the show has also been nominated as Best New Play.
Billy and Rachel have a rat problem. But a much darker, deep-rooted horror lurks beneath their floorboards. Billy and Rachel are, seemingly, a perfectly happy couple – both a little strange, but suited. When their home develops a rat infestation, their reactions are polar opposite. Billy faces the creatures with violence; Rachel with acceptance and a motherly love. But the rats aren’t the real problem. Deep beneath the surface runs the pain of unchecked grief in this unsettling, unrelenting, and heart-breaking dark comedy. Vermin faces up to grief, and leaves you questioning what is real.
Arcola Theatre – Studio 2
14th March – 1st April 2023
20:00 (plus 16:00 Saturday 1st April)
Tickets £15 – £23
www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/vermin/
Running time: 54 mins
Age restriction: 16+
Content warnings: Suicide, stillbirth, animal cruelty and strong language.
