The Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes: Live Theatre, Newcastle

NINA Berry’s intriguingly titled play could almost be called Two Characters in Search of a Future. It’s a delicate piece of theatre that tells of two young people, or rather, two young people tell us about themselves, because for much of the 70 minutes Charlie and Rosie narrate their own stories. But their intertwined lives are not yet fixed. They can play with time as well as with their own ideas of what the future holds for them, shaping it as much by imagination as, inevitably, it will be shaped by fate.

Heather Carroll and Dean Bone are the talented young actors who play the inextricably linked Rosie and Charlie. They complement each other perfectly as their characters move effortlessly through the years from first encounter as five and seven-year-olds on into adulthood. And as the narration turns to dialogue they are able to interact more fully, developing Rosie and Charlie’s emotional relationship as the play moves towards its touching conclusion.

Luke Robson’s subtle design is matched perfectly by Nick Rogerson’s lighting in what is as much installation as it is set. A wide band of creased and scrunched paper conjures the winter landscape while snowflakes become water lily-like flowers above our heads.

Time, memory, hopes and desires all play a part in Live Theatre’s winter play which is co-directed by Max Roberts and Graeme Thompson.

* Runs until December 17. Box Office: 0191-232-1232 or live.org.uk

Laurence Sach