Nicola Walker Stars in Grief-Stricken Role in London’s Sold-Out The Unbelievers Play

Nick Payne's play "The Unbelievers," currently running at London's Royal Court Theatre, explores the emotional turmoil of a family coping with the disappearance of their teenage son. Nicola Walker delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Miriam, the mother who clings to hope despite the ongoing grief and strain within the family. The play's non-linear structure, shifting across different time periods, reflects the complex and fragmented nature of grief, though some critics feel it sometimes sacrifices dramatic depth. Under Marianne Elliott's direction, the production effectively uses stage design to highlight the family's emotional isolation and the passage of time. Supporting cast members, including Ella Lily Hyland and Paul Higgins, depict the family's varied responses to loss, with the father and sisters attempting to move on while Miriam remains trapped in sorrow and anger. Overall, "The Unbelievers" is a poignant, if challenging, portrayal of motherhood, faith, and the enduring pain of uncertainty.