We can only suggest not reading the synopsis on the Fringe website for Vera and the Sea, cos it gives some of the game away (just skip to the bottom where it tells you venue and time info). This Edwardian psychological drama-slash-ghost story works best if you have no idea what you're getting; partly because you can guess a lot of the twists before they happen anyway, but also because things are just better spoiler-free, aren't they?
Vera and her older husband Albert have come to Dorset for the summer, joined by Albert's twisted sister Joyce. Being by the sea starts to unlock some memories for Vera; while at the same time, her husband and sister-in-law are digging around in her past. The unearthed secrets are, as we said, not anything that we hadn't already worked out, but there's still pleasure to be had in watching them unfold - mainly because of Ellie Lavan's performance as the childlike and bewildered Vera. We also loved the delicious continuity from the show previously in this slot, the understudy comedy Breaking Legs, as production assistant Lucy Bradshaw had to go on as the maid (and made a decent fist of it, too).
Vera and the Sea plays at the Etcetera Theatre until Friday. Camden Fringe runs until 30th August. All tickets £7.50. Check out other Fringe coverage on Londonist.
