Studio One, Malvern – 2nd & 3rd September 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Tonight’s trip to the exceptional Malvern Theatres introduced me to a new space (Studio One), five actors I had (mostly) never seen before and four short plays. An intriguing prospect made even more impressive because they were all written by cast member Joy-Amy Wigman.
First was “15 Minute Call”; the tale of backstage pressures when the leading man is still absent shortly before curtain up. An announcement of “15 mins to curtain call” took us by surprise, it only becoming clear the show had begun some moments in as the lights dimmed. Ingenious, fresh writing defying convention. A shockingly current (given that Spanish Ladies football kiss) theme was explored. The interplay between the characters was wonderfully balanced, delivering a small slice of happiness. A fine opening. Then came two pieces exploring the awkwardness of isolation, from different angles. Firstly “Cake”; in which a lady, whilst baking her birthday cake, battles with personalities conjured from her favourite TV shows as they try to get her to recognize her predicament. Robbie Gardner and Toni Shaw had full reign to explore some entertaining impressions – I particularly enjoyed Noel Edmonds. Our lead (and Playwright) Joy-Amy gave us a fabulously nuanced and affectionately touching portrayal, with a lovely ending. Next was “Mannequin Piece” in which the super-talented Moa Myerson (who I previously saw shining in Scrooge) was centre stage. Moa’s tour de force as a lady with social anxiety disorder provided some lovely slapstick, an empathetically realistic portrayal and very funny interactions with the titular Mannequin, upon which she practices socializing in anticipation of meeting her roommate’s boyfriend. A fine supporting cast helped propel the story along nicely, especially Alex whose character’s introduction helped provide a very satisfying resolution. Wonderful pacing throughout from the actors and Paul Avery (Director) and superb use of lighting and sound affects too by Production/Sound/Lighting man Ollie Chapman heightened the enjoyment.
Lastly, “Super/Normal” – the longest play and the best. For the first time the full cast were all onstage and what a treat! We are used to seeing Superheroes angst spilling out as they battle with the “curse” of their powers so it was refreshing to see the other side presented: the angst of no longer being Superheroes, which they’d loved being! There was heartfelt poignancy as our super-normal friends came to terms and supported each other.
I loved each actor’s display of their former super skill – Moa’s The Spider being particularly effective with her sitting position and movements evoking that animal. I really enjoyed Alex’s arc too – from stroppy to supportive and Robbie gave us a great range of emotions when facing his mortality. Some knowing fun poking at the super hero genre (lycra obsessed and sillily named etc.) was also most amusing. As in the opening piece, a really good twist in the tail which I didn’t see coming. Super! A talented cast, thoroughly enjoying themselves with interesting, intelligent and witty scripts written by one of the gang. Bravissimo! Nice to see plays ending with their leads showing some signs of recovery in a thoroughly uplifting evening. Great, also, to see original talent and writing given the opportunity to shine, which it did tonight brightly.