If you could age in reverse and go back to a younger age simply by taking a pill, would you? And would you do anything differently?
This is the premise of Rea Dennhardt Patel’s play The Undying at the Soho Theatre.
Amba (Vaishnavi Survaprakash) and Prav (Akaash Dev Shemar) are in their 90s and have been married since their early 20s. Amba buys a bottle of TwiceLife™ pills, which will halve their age, but Prav is initially reluctant.
They both have different ideas about what life should be like with a second chance at youth, and cope in different ways. How far back do you have to go and to what lengths, to be at peace with yourself?
The acting was strong throughout, supported by a solid script which is sprinkled with wit and irony. A live music accompaniment adds to the story.
Simply and imaginatively staged with a few pieces of lounge furniture and a backdrop of screens on which words describe key moments in Amba and Prav’s life.
These are used as an effective tool to indicate where the couple is in their life timeline and are one of the few parameters given for the TwiceLife™ concept.
The Undying is an interesting premise and certainly one that gives plenty of food for thought, but it is perhaps a little too gluttonous for a 75-minute play.
Amba and Prav’s backwards step in life leads to an exploration of a wide range of themes, including the role of women in society, love and relationships, grief and toxic parenting.
All meaty issues, which perhaps deserve a bit more space.
Final thoughts
An imaginative and thought-provoking story that starts to feel a little over-stuffed with ideas. It leaves any final message a little muddled. I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half.
The Undying, Soho Theatre
Written by Rea Dennhardt Patel
Directed by Imy Wyatt Corner
Cast: Vaishnavi Survaprakash and Akaash Dev Shemar
Live music: Ansuman Biswas
Running time: 75 minutes
The Undying had a short run from 9 to 10 February 2026.
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