The Tinker

Written by Olivia Foan and Part of the Main Productions, and directed by Olivia Munk, The Tinker is a mysterious and unsettling new play showing at this year’s Vault Festival. From its opening, the key ingredients for a gothic tale are brought together perfectly: a blizzard rages outside Frank and Evelyn’s isolated rural home (demonstrated effectively by an eerie, whistling wind that never dies down throughout the performance); there is a tense unease between the couple, and the mention of a friend’s child in the opening scene visibly affects Evelyn for reasons we are left to question. Finally, an unexpected knock at the door brings the arrival of a stranger, who calls himself a tinker and seeks shelter from the storm. His presence causes the couple’s past and future to unravel dramatically in a single evening. 

The story is compelling, although at times slow, especially during the first half. This is not a fast-paced whodunit, but a play that revels in extending its strained early scenes. The disquiet is palpable but remains subtly under the radar at first, creating an intriguing atmosphere that keeps the audience invested, waiting to see what twists the climax might bring. The underlying tension of the quieter moments balances and accentuates the impact of the dramatic and explosive scenes.

All three actors give truthful performances. Lauren O’Leary fully embraces her role and makes it easy for the viewer to sympathise with Evelyn’s tragic secrets, even when they are not yet revealed. Although she is regal and dignified on the outside, the actress allows her audience a glimpse into the character’s inner turmoil through tiny expressions and gestures that reveal the troubled and uncertain woman within. 

Giles Abbott’s performance as the Tinker is also highly successful: the portrayal is simultaneously charming and unsettling, leaving viewers intrigued as to his true identity and purpose, never knowing how much to trust him, or even how real he is. The ghostly presence throughout of a fourth character – an unseen child – is also effective, heightening the underlying sense of the gothic. 

Overall, The Tinker is successful as a labyrinthine, unsettling and evocative play. Whilst there is no truly satisfying ending, never giving the audience full disclosure is an effective choice because it means that, like the characters, the viewer, too, can never feel completely at ease, trapped in the storm that echoes throughout.

Eleanor Antoniou
Photo: Clare Hannan

The Tinker is at the Vaults from 14^th February until 19^th February 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.