"Alexandra Simonet brings a subtle, emotional and empathetic performance as Hannah... All are skillfully directed and staged by Howarth, who uses the small space expertly to tell this tale...A gorgeous, moving story about loss and personal triumph. From start to finish, every little touch in this production is well conceived, from the effective and imaginative set all the way down to the postcard from Katy in the program."
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"Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 is off to a strong start with this powerful play about autism...The stories Katy likes to tell to provide order to her experience are cleverly recreated with such simple props as an electric fan and a pair of desk lamps...My heart went out to Hannah, because Katy’s erratic behavior with its frequent outbursts of raw emotion was hard to endure for 90 minutes, let alone 24 hours a day...Much as I admired the play, I often found it painful to sit through."
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"The story is brilliant — hilarious and heartbreaking all at once — but in the small, intimate theater you’ll witness one incredibly courageous and truthful performance by young Alexandra Brain...The script is a scramble of overlapping lines, with characters talking over and around each other throughout. The performance and direction of it, however, looks so easy and so natural at times that of course it must have been incredibly difficult to get just right. But right it is, remarkably so."
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"Katy is on the autistic spectrum and finds it difficult to connect to people, but with stories, well that’s when she does some of her best and bravest thinking...Live music and video projections form a backdrop to the utterly credible central character. The other parts are less well rounded. Ryan’s back story and the ease with which he is accepted feels somewhat underdeveloped. A unique, inventive piece of theatre that is touching, heart-warming and enlightening."
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"The modestly masterful storytelling is warmly delivered by intelligent performances. Beating loudly at its heart, Alex Brain–playing Katy–is breathtaking. It is rare to see such an enchanting example of autism depicted so sensitively…Sea-deep and honestly interpreted research renders 'We Live by the Sea' an informative and special immersion into the lives of those shaped by autism…This is my Fringe gem, a treasure that I will bury in the burning cockles of my heart."
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"It's feel good and funny, honest and above all completely believable…Alex Brain’s performance in the central role is mesmerizing…'We Live by the Sea' is an outstanding piece of theatre with a big heart and carefully honed performances. I cried freely throughout as did the rest of the audience. It's rare for theatre to connect in such a way and Patch of Blue has created something very raw and beautiful."
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"Alex Brain gives a stellar performance as Katy, taking the audience along with her as she moves rapidly from laughter through sadness, frustration, anger, and at times back to laughter...We witness episodes of sensory overload – when Katy is subjected to music, loud speech and flashing lights and then on a car journey, which Katy does not enjoy, when Hannah inadvertently tells a lie regarding their direction...I was moved to tears by this performance and cannot recommend it too highly."
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"The show is a well constructed, wonderfully conceived, and cleverly executed piece…There are elements of the piece that are underwhelming. The projection design fails to add significantly to the show, and certain elements of the writing...Despite this, the piece is a truly unique piece of theatre…The show manages to craft a truly credible central character, offering a window into living with autism...Coupled with fantastic performances, the show really is captivating."
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