After five years of living with The Departure, writer and performer Tom Wells is preparing to bring the play to life!
An 80-minute two-hander exploring abandonment and the honesty that can exist between strangers, The Departure has evolved considerably from its original idea. What originally began as a single scene between a couple has transformed into a story about two people meeting at a pivotal moment in their lives. We spoke to Tom Wells, who also plays Ross, about the play’s development, the relationship at the centre and what he hopes audiences will discover this September.
Although The Departure has been five years in development, its journey hasn’t been a straightforward one. “When I say 5 years, this play has come off the back of another play,” Wells mentioned. “The original idea was it was a singular scene. So a couple are basically having some major problems with their relationship.” The first version quickly became complicated and after putting it aside, Wells returned to the script with encouragement from his director and friend. This continued into Wells creating the scene in which the two first met: developing the production from this moment.
At the heart of The Departure are Ross and Lily, being played by Tom Wells and Harriet Chomley, two strangers who meet at a pivotal moment in their lives. For Wells, that lack of shared history is one of the most interesting aspects of the relationship. “I think it’s very interesting having 2 people who don’t have previous circumstances. They can almost not invent themselves in the moment, but they don’t have a mask that they have to stand behind… allowing them to be a truer version of themselves.” Wells commented. Wells continued to comment that the strangers actually “goes against a lot of acting theory around your last shared event,” allowing for an intriguing dynamic within the show.
The play unfolds in real time, which for Wells helps create an intense experience for both the characters and the audience. “I think it acts as a crucible,” Wells added. “Not only are we held in time of the show, but we go through it as they do in the same tempo, rhythm and journey.” This intented theatrical storytelling allows the audience to feel part of the story. “I wanted to do it is so the audience is forced to be kettled in with them,” Wells added, allowing for the pressure and tension to build alongside the audience.
Although The Departure deals with emotionally heavy themes, it is also a comedy and drama. For Wells, the humour is necessary to allow the characters to behave like real people. He mentions how the characters each have their own way of coping which in itself is funny. Wells commented “I (as Ross) am very superstitious and I sort of hold this pocket watch which I put my worries in”. He mentions how it is “less to do with the balance. It’s being aware that a subject matter is in the room but also allowing these humans to be humans”, allowing them to make their own mistakes and slip ups.
Wells not only wrote the play but is playing Ross. When questioned around if he knew he’d always play Ross, Wells mentioned how his creative process was more around writing the piece. “I put my writing hat on and just concentrated on that.” Wells mentioned. He discussed further how it has been “interesting to see other people read it” but ultimately he is excited to bring Ross to the stage.
With only two actors on stage, Ross and Lily’s relationship was key. At the time of the interview, the company had completed three rehearsals with an upcoming five-day intensive soon. When asked about his dynamic with Chomley, Wells mentioned that he got on really well with her and felt she would bring great dynamics to Lily. “What I’d like about her was that she’s very straight talking. She’s to the point.” Wells replied. “There’s a candidness that in some ways can be quite front-footed but at the same time it allows you to trust that person”. Wells explained how it is important for a two-hander to have two actors who are confident to help each other creatively, crediting Chomley as supportive in the play’s development.
After five years of living with the play, the big question now is what happens when an audience finally sees it performed in full. When asked what Wells is most excited/nervous when audiences see the production he mentions “seeing if they understand the emotional journey of the characters and how they wrap around and shine a light on each other’s blind spots”. Despite any nerves, there’s an optimism underneath them which makes audiences seeing the show exciting!
Perhaps the simplest way to understand the relationship at the centre of The Departure is to ask what Ross and Lily would say to one another. Wells mentioned that Ross’ advice to Lily would be “Open your eyes, get out of my way” whilst Lily would say “Open you eyes, look at what you’ve got”. At its heart, The Departure is about two people arriving at a pivotal moment in their lives and will be an intriguing production to watch!
Many thanks to Tom Wells for answering our questions! Book your tickets for The Departure here!
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