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(ear)
Memos to the dying lift the spirits
Jayne Wisener (Peace Star Warrior Calliope ‘Calliope'), Imogen Doel (Philosophy Rainbow ‘Sophie'), Jane Lowe (Daphne) and Amanda Ryan (Judy). Photos: Catherine Ashmore Notes to Future Self Birmingham
Repertory Theatre at mac *****
Lucy Caldwell's
Notes To Future Self,
is a harrowing tale presented with an entertaining and, at times, very
funny viewpoint. The play, commissioned by the Birmingham REP, saw
it's world premiere at the new mac before touring the regions and
Briefly, Judy ran away from
home at 17 and became a New Ager, raising two daughters in a nomadic
lifestyle in ashrams, communes and impromptu raves in “more places…than
the limitations of [our] world will even allow for”.
Judy returns home to The brilliant Imogen Doel gives a first class performance as Sophie. Her delivery is word perfect, imaginative and touching. We see Sophie as she wishes us to see her, the real her, not the fading, thin and ill child. She doesn't want to dwell on the illness. Sisters united:Imogen Doel
(Philosophy Rainbow ‘Sophie') and Jayne Wisener (Peace
Star Warrior Calliope ‘Calliope') She is totally captivating and
believable as the 13-year old who has come to this strange, but very
ordinary place, to die. As she prepares to leave this
world she makes notes to her future self. Jayne Wisener is equally
convincing as Sophie's older sister, Peace Star Warrior Calliope (Cal)
offering comfort to her younger sibling, searching in the attic for
clues about her father and discovering the joy of teenage love.
She has finally come to lead the normal life she has so longed
for. Amanda Ryan as hippy mother
Judy spends much time in meditation and Jane Lowe as grandmother,
Daphne, spends much time writing lists, reading and praying; almost
interactive props, essential to the storyline but not particularly
stretching parts. Lowe's Brummie accent is admirable
but does tend to slip in and out. Caldwell is a prolific and
exciting young writer, achieving much acclaim for her books and many
awards for earlier works for the radio and stage including the 2009
Richard Imison Award (Girl from Mars) and the BBC Stewart Parker
Award for Leaves. Lynda Ford As part pf its UK tour the play will; be appearing at the following Midland venues: Monday 21 March, 7.30pm Monday 28 March, 7.30pm
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