by Elizabeth Abbott, Third Year English and History
‘There are still beautiful things. And they are all yours’ - the final words to Bristol Old Vic’s latest production The Beautiful Future is Coming. Tender, tragic but ultimately hopeful Flora Wilson Brown’s play is brimming with profound humanity.
The Beautiful Future is Coming follows three couples across 250 years of climate crisis: 1856, 2027 and 2100. In 1856, Eunice and her husband discuss her CO2 research, battling against sexism in the science field as she works to get her findings published and truly championed. In 2027, Claire and Dan fall in love to a backdrop of a heatwave and a fatal flood. Then in 2100, Ana is pregnant but cannot leave a research centre in Svalbard due to an 86-day storm which rages outside.
Wilson Brown paints gorgeous images of three relationships all influenced by shared climate anxiety. Conversations over coffee and children's toys are quickly interrupted by breaking news of climate disasters including floods and fires. Each story is devoid of children, with Wilson Brown questioning what it means to bring a child into a world with an exceptionally uncertain future.
A stand out moment is Eunice’s powerful monologue. Played by Phoebe Thomas, Eunice's speech from 1857 foreshadows a future event of a man on fire outside Westminster - just like the event in 2019. Even in 1857, Eunice discusses the climate changes with such urgency - something which creates friction between herself and husband John, played by Matt Whitchurch.
Contrary to the 1857 narrative, the 2027 story builds to a moment of intense seriousness instead of a consistent exigency. It opens with relatable humour about pets, dinner dates and work romances but then progresses to a shocking moment of life-threatening activism, questions how we are willing to go to bring attention to the disaster.
We are reminded how interconnected all these time periods are in the 2100 storyline where Ana, played by Rosie Dwyer, discusses stories passed down by her great, great, great, great grandmother. Wilson Brown reminds us that we must strive for a better world for those beyond just ourselves - it is about the beautiful future.
The set is fantastic. Designed by Aldo Vázquez, the floor, with panels separating the various scenes and time zones, and snow-esque mirrors on the walls. The set appears both both futuristic and Victorian with soft furnishings taken on and off stage.
The piano motif, stretching from the play to their marketing is a beautiful melodic way to tie the whole play together.
Whilst the play is imbued with tragedy and prompts a necessary reflection on our own climate efforts, it is conclusively hopeful. Ultimately, it is a play about a love, connection and a want to preserve vitality in all forms.
At Bristol Old Vic until 7th June.
