A Guest Review by Rob and Jo Aldous
For one night only at The Sir John Mills Theatre, Play Nicely Theatre present There is a Light and a Whistle for Attracting Attention. This one woman play, written by and starring Henri Merriam poses many questions. What is love? What should a relationship be like? Should it be like the films? Is it Grease or is it Taming of the Shrew?
Simply staged with only a chest of drawers and a roll of fake grass our unnamed protagonist counts us back in age to her childhood, then forwards to the time she meets the “one”, Tom. Merriam captivates as she takes us from beginning to end of the relationship. The elation, the despair, the paranoia, the fear, the self-doubt, the denial. All aided by her friend’s advice and interjections which Merriam also voices. She conducts conversations and scenes with Tom’s whose voice is heard, though he is not seen. Tom is not sure what he wants. Is it the independent woman he falls in love with or someone he can control?
Anyone who has been in love and has been through the gut wrench of a break up will have much to recognise here. Merriam’s portrayal is so strong and visceral and pulls you in and you feel every emotion with her.
This was a well-attended evening and one of Eastern Angles Pizza, Pint & Play evenings. It’s a good hook to get audiences to experience new writing.
It’s a shame it is only here for one night but do check out the Play Nicely Theatre website for other dates and locations https://www.playnicelytheatre.com/about-1
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