Friday 27 January 2023
In Clay, The Vaults | Review
A sweet tale of a female artist, specifically a potter/clay creator, in 1930s France, In Clay follows our protagonist Marie-Berthe developing her love of creating as well as looking at a few of her relationships and ultimately, the way she strives for and eventually defines, success.
Rosalind Ford takes the helm of this one woman show and does so with glorious affect. Not only does Ford play Marie-Berthe, but also a number of side characters such as her best friend Henrietta and her teacher Jean-Charles, all of whom you truly feel have entered the stage. With the noise of next door's performance and the rattling trains overhead, your attention could easily wander but Rosalind does a stellar job of keeping you engaged throughout. Her vocals are also gorgeous and an absolute treat to listen to.
Aside from the performance, the star of this show is the lovely music that is typically and gloriously French. Jack Miles and Rebecca Simmonds's songs completely embody French-cafe, pre/post war vibes and are so fitting to the story, with an especially wonderful scat section that really mirrors the freedom of art. A couple of the songs feel abruptly/imperfectly ended and could do with a slight rework but overall they're very smooth and the clever lyrics are so witty and compelling.
All in all In Clay is a short, sweet, well-moulded show that with a few more tweaks on the potters wheel could be perfect. A great opener to the 2023 Vault Festival, it will be a treat to see how this musical progresses.
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Saturday 19 September 2020
Pippin, Garden Theatre | Review
Thursday 12 March 2020
Identity, Turbine Theatre | Review
Tuesday 27 November 2018
Seussical, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Wednesday 5 September 2018
Six, Arts Theatre | Review
Friday 3 August 2018
Sacrifice, Soho Theatre | Review
Friday 27 July 2018
In Conversation With... Ian Stroughair aka Velma Celli | Interview
Thursday 24 May 2018
In Conversation With... Freya Parks | Teddy | Interview
Yeah it's a complete dream to be playing rock 'n' roll on a stage!
For anyone that hasn't seen the show, can you explain what it's about and how you fit into it?
Teddy is set in the 50s, if you could transport to any other era, when would you go to and why?
You not only get to play live during the show, but also after the show. What's been your best audience reaction post-show?
Female-empowering, gritty, nostalgic, heartfelt....ROCKIN'!!!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers?
Thank you so much Freya for taking the time to do this interview. Teddy runs at The Vaults until 3rd June.