On Thursday evening, I was lucky enough to be invited to the newly opened Sheffield Local Theatre to see The Love Chronicles, the first show they’ve had in. I’ve been following the progress of the theatre itself for a while now as I’m passionate about Northern theatre so although I was really unsure of what to expect from this show, I was really excited to see it and was certainly not disappointed! Where to start with this wonderful piece of theatre. The Love Chronicles was completely touching but not miserable, it was inclusive and interactive and fun but not awkward, and it was about everything but seemingly nothing too specific which I absolutely loved. The show explores what love is and how it can be found in different places: Love for another, love for yourself, love for Gary Barlow and everything in between. Despite the subject matter being fairly cliche and possibly overdone, The Ordinary People put their own twist on it and made it seem like nothing else I have ever seen before. I’ll admit my probably unpopular opinion now - I don’t typically like puppetry because I find it so hard to engage with a storyline usually. The puppetry used in this was something so different because it DID still connect with both the actors involved and us as an audience. It also felt like the use of it was perfectly placed without any awkward “we have to use puppetry because we have a puppet!” moments and it was actually really interesting - I think my opinions have changed! The use of music, video and projection was really different too and although I DO feel like I’m rambling a little, it would feel wrong to not mention it at all because I wasn’t expecting it to be included. I feel like I haven’t seen much theatre that involved these aspects in the way this show did at all and it was just really refreshing to see! A cast as small as two people is always a risk, but these guys made it work so well in their favour. Both of the performers had me in stitches plenty of times but were still able to have those moments of being serious that made the funnier lines seem all that more funny. Nothing seemed forced at all and the cast seemed to be having as much fun as we were in the audience (which in my opinion is one of the most important parts of theatre anyway!). Now as I mentioned previously, I am pretty much just excited about new theatres in Sheffield and more opportunity to see more talent, and I think given that I got the chance to see a company who have genuinely inspired me in my own work already I’m being pretty reasonable! But yeah, just excited. And this venue is genuinely WONDERFUL. It’s small and super intimate to a level that I’ve never experienced before yet still has great sound, projection and lighting - nothing seemed missing. As well as this, the whole atmosphere was just lovely and because of this, the parts that did involve a little bit of audience participation weren’t scary or awkward. For a company that are self described as “playful”, they certainly lived up to this and played with us! Essentially, this was everything I love about theatre rolled into one and I truly cannot fault this show so if you DO get chance to pop in, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a fun evening out that everyone will love (my dad who typically isn’t into theatre much really enjoyed it too!) and I can promise you that you will leave with a smile and some inspiration. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of this company and I’m super excited for the upcoming shows at Sheffield Local Theatre - they’re clearly of a super high standard! Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Accessibility: There was some flashing lights so be aware of that! Also, aerosol cans are used in the performance so (if you’re on the front row especially!) it can be an issue for you if you’re asthmatic! Sensitive Content: Fairly mild references to sex, otherwise nothing notable! You can book tickets to see The Love Chronicles HERE! GRACE XXX
1 Comment
Claire Debenham
15/4/2019 18:27:55
Wish I had seen it too- it is a great venue. Sounds like a brilliant night out.
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