Director: Grace Hall
Written by: Stephen Henderson
Produced by: Spoken Chronicles Theatre Company
Venue: The Meteor, 5-7 November 2020
Spoken Chronicles Theatre Company is a fledgling theatre company that hopes to tell fresh and new stories. It was a treat to be at the opening night performance of the brand new play “Unearthed” written by Stephen Henderson.
The story focuses on the King brothers (played by Henry Garfitt, Bailey Harris, Jack Graf and Andrew Carter) who are brought back together when tragedy strikes the family. Each of the brothers own issues are laid bare in engrossing vignettes that are chapters within themselves, but ultimately weave together to complete a story about relationships, love and loss.
The characters were relatable and believable. Garfitt’s portrayal of William was a stunning mix of subtlety and sadness. All four brothers were well cast and brought confidence and interesting depth to their characters. The supporting characters delivered focused interactions that drove the story forward. Credit must be given to Sophie-May Brown whose delivery was compelling and moving.
Across the board, all the actors had great diction. There were a few moments where voices were muffled or dialogue was not communicated to the audience and jokes were lost. One scene could have benefited from slightly slower delivery of dialogue. Overall, the pacing was great.
The lighting was simple but worked well. An adjustment needs to be made at downstage right because it was illuminating the front row of the audience. The one disappointment was that the set appeared to be cobbled together from items discovered in The Meteor’s workshop. A touch of dressing would provide some polish.
Unearthed was Grace Hall’s directorial debut and it was refreshing and dynamic. The cast were exceptionally well rehearsed and at ease in each other’s company. At the close, some audience members were sobbing such was the impact of the storytelling. Hall is one to watch given her successful foray into directing.
Unearthed is one of those works that will sit within your psyche for days to come. Everyone involved should be proud of the contemporary piece of theatre they have created.
Two performances remain and given Hamilton audience’s love of the arts and new ventures it is recommended that Unearthed experiences that support from the community.
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