Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Sarah Meadows. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Sarah Meadows. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday 16 February 2018

YOU, Vault Festival | Review


YOU
VAULT Festival
Reviewed on Thursday 15th February 2018 by Shaun Dicks
★★★★

We find ourselves in The Pit at the Vault Festival, the sound of trains passing over the theatre and the background noise of excited theatrical crowds. The Pit is a brick and concrete theatre, completed with wooden benches, set up in Traverse, giving it a rustic feel. Tonight’s viewing is You, a narrative based story about adoption. We follow the story of a woman who falls pregnant in her teens and puts up her child for adaption. We then follow the story of the child growing up with their adoptive family. This all builds to the adopted child starting to search for his birth mother. 

Mark Wilson’s script is a feast of language. The story and the language is a joy to behold- giving the actors so much to work with. The script is littered with beautiful language, flowing narrative, seamless transitions and humour. The story is so well told by Kathryn O’Reilly and Stephen Myott-Meadows. Their portrayal of such a raw and tender story are near pitch perfect, with both performers giving a well rounded and focused performance.


Ultimately O’Reilly shines the brightest, with her heartfelt and honest portrayal of her characters. The direction from Sarah Meadows is also a highlight, in a space that is plagued with restrictions, she maximises its usage and effectiveness to elevate the piece as a whole. The shows use of music (composed by Benedict Taylor), underscoring the majority of the piece gave a big screen feel, almost giving the audience cues on how to feel during those moments.

You is a beautiful story of love, loss, family and what family is defined as. It’s truly an emotional play that doesn’t shy away from the truth. I personally would love to see a extended version of this play as I feel there is more of this story to be told. I hope there is another run for You, as this story needs to be expressed and deserves to be heard. 

If you can, get yourself down to the Vault Festival and see You, you’ll be doing yourself a favour.

photo credit: Nick Rutter


Tuesday 25 July 2023

Ride at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant Review: A Triumph of Story Telling

While it may not boast the grandeur of a West End spectacle, its simplicity and sincerity are what set it apart"

Ride
Southwark Playhouse Elephant
★★★★

Embarking on a wondrous return, the dynamic musical Ride, crafted by Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams, is back to captivate audiences with an enchanting odyssey like no other. Having previously seen this show as part of the Vault Festival in 2020, it's amazing to see how it has developed and become even more of a theatrical gem.

This thrilling new production delves into the extraordinary escapades of Annie Londonderry, an indomitable spirit who shattered barriers in 1895 by becoming the first woman to cycle around the globe. Fearlessly challenging societal norms and religious expectations, Annie spins a captivating tale that dances on the edge of truth and fiction, skillfully molding narratives to serve her greater cause. She fearlessly embraces her convictions, even if it means bending the boundaries of morality. Wrapped around Annie's finger from the moment the metaphorical curtain is raised, we are spellbound by her storytelling prowess.

This British masterpiece takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride, filled with hearty laughter and unflinchingly honest revelations about life and society, leaving a profound impact. With every twist and turn, the characters' raw emotions and vulnerabilities are beautifully portrayed, drawing us into their world and ensnaring our hearts until the closing moments.

The brilliance of Ride shines through the remarkable performances of its two-person cast: Liv Andrusier as Annie and Katy Ellis as Martha. Their chemistry is palpable, and they breathe life into their characters with heartfelt authenticity. Liv's portrayal of Annie is a multi-dimensional masterpiece, blending determination and defiance as she navigates a male-dominated world, striving to be heard. Her captivating Bostonian drawl lures us in, and her vocal prowess keeps us enchanted as she flawlessly delivers the demanding score, showcasing a masterclass in acting through song.

Under the direction of Sarah Meadows, Liv's performance radiates authenticity, leaving no doubt that this role was destined for her. Her portrayal of Annie exudes old Hollywood star quality, and her stage presence is truly remarkable.

Katy Ellis skilfully takes on the role of Martha. With comic flair and charming wit, Ellis brings Martha's thoughts to life, infusing the character with delightful nuance. While Annie weaves the narrative, Martha's hesitance and humorous antics provide the perfect balance, eliciting laughter from the audience. Throughout the show, Katy astounds as she embodies various characters in Annie's story, infusing each with unique purpose and unveiling layers of compassion, empathy, and a hint of romance.

Both Liv and Katy breathe a profound humanity into these characters, capturing the hearts of the audience. Their nuanced performances are a testament to their immense talent and dedication, leaving us in awe of their emotional range.

The minimalist yet ingenious set design by Amy Jane Cook effortlessly transports us to multiple locations, aided by clever use of props and set pieces that set our imaginations free. Matt Powell's projections expand the space, while Andrew Johnson's sound design adds an extra layer of brilliance, spotlighting the subtlest of sounds.

At the heart and soul of Ride lies its soul-stirring music. The mesmerising melodies and emotionally charged lyrics take us on an unforgettable journey, resonating deeply within us. While some musical moments may seem repetitive, they ultimately deliver an emotional and vocal punch, showcasing the brilliance of new British compositions.

Ride is an absolute triumph of storytelling, talent, and artistic vision. This emotionally charged musical takes us on a profound journey of self-reflection and connection. While it may not boast the grandeur of a West End spectacle, its simplicity and sincerity are what set it apart. Ride showcases the very essence of what theatre can offer, leaving us yearning to relive this magical journey again and again.

Reviewed on Monday 24th July by Olivia Mitchell
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}