The Last Five Years - Reading REP REVIEW

Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years has been captivating audiences since its Off-Broadway premiere in 2002 and subsequent 2005 productions, gaining a reputation as one of the most inventive and emotionally resonant contemporary musicals. Now, Reading Rep brings the show to life with a spellbinding new staging that proves why this piece continues to endure.

The story itself is deceptively simple: a five-year relationship between aspiring actress Cathy and novelist Jamie, charting its rise and fall. The genius lies in its structure – Jamie tells the story chronologically, while Cathy journeys backwards from heartbreak to first love. Their timelines meet mid-show, in a moment of sheer theatrical magic. This dual perspective not only keeps the audience gripped but allows for a nuanced exploration of love, ambition, and missed connections.

In the hands of Guy Woolf (Jamie) and Martha Kirby (Cathy), the central couple feels utterly real. The chemistry between them is undeniable, making their highs exhilarating and their lows achingly poignant. Both are captivating to watch, each performance layered with warmth, wit, and raw vulnerability. Kirby, in particular, delivers a breathtaking rendition of “Still Hurting” – her rich vibrato filling the intimate space and sending shivers down the spine.

Hal Chambers’ direction ensures clarity without ever losing the delicacy of the piece. The shifts in time feel seamless, supported by moments of inventive choreography that subtly track the emotional journey of the couple. Jonathan Chan’s lighting design adds elegance and intimacy, enhancing mood without overwhelming the simplicity at the heart of the production.

Musically, it is a triumph. Brown’s score is given thrilling life by four musicians positioned around the stage. Gradually, they become more woven into the action, creating a sense of intimacy between music and storytelling that feels organic and fresh. 

Staged in Reading Rep’s compact venue, the show is perfectly at home in a small space – drawing the audience close and heightening the emotional impact. It is a reminder that sometimes the most modest productions are also the most powerful.

The Last Five Years runs at Reading Rep until 12 October before transferring to The Barn Theatre in Cirencester and the Ustinov Studio in Bath. This is a production not to be missed – tender, inventive, and musically glorious.