Crucible Studio Theatre, Sheffield – until 19th March 2022
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
The Crucible Studio is small and intimate, which is the perfect place to be able to witness the magic that is Dispatches on the Red Dress. The show stops here for one night only but can be seen at many other venues in March and September this year.
A one woman show, although you wouldn’t believe that when you walk into the auditorium and see five instruments on set, waiting to be played (including the fiddle, viola, banjo and electric guitar) The solo show was first seen by audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 and was a big hit, earning writer (co-written by Liam Hurley), performer and director Rowan Rheingans the prestigious Fringe First Award.
Drawn in by the story told in Rowans sweet, calm and endearing voice, we learn about Rowans grandparents In Germany 1940. You are taken around the village in Germany, where her ‘Oma’ and ‘Opa’ still live. You will be treat to a tale about the red dress worn on a night out for her grandma at the dance hall. It delves a little deeper into political matters and hardships at the time and can be quite thought provoking. The story is emotive, haunting and uplifting, leaving you smiling or feeling empathetic throughout. If you close your eyes during the narrative, you will be able to picture everything so clearly in your mind, with the atmosphere created by Rowan.
The show features songs from her album ‘The Lines We Draw Together’, such a lovely selection of well-written, perfectly performed songs. The folk singer is incredibly gifted, being able to sing beautifully, play multiple instruments flawlessly and remember all her lines while doing everything together. There is a very small amount of movement in the show but still is impactful and really adds to the storyline running through.
This show will leave you spell-bound by the multi-talented Rowan