Burdall’s Yard is currently the hub of exciting new writing and talent as part of SparkFest; showcasing the work of current Bath Spa students.
However, amid this hot bed of creativity there are also performances by Bath Spa Alumni; Greedy Pig is one such company created by former students to explore new ideas and create original thought provoking work.
A series of 3 short plays that consider different ways of being affected by an all watching, all knowing totalitarian state.
Not unlike an episode of Black Mirror, the pieces consider the impact of a strict class system and order that cannot be broken for fear of safety and retribution. The ideas are sound and for a first outing the potential is clearly there.
Classified by Jayne Woodhouse considers a world of curfews and hidden surveillance. A couple whose Class status within the system differs significantly causes pressures when the girl wants to explore the disappearance of “Class Z” beggars who are being cleansed from the streets.
Alicia Pollard and Tom Corbishley work well with the material, the dynamics between them are strong and the piece reaches a plausible solution.
The Watchers by Jayne Woodhouse is again regarding being witnesses to crimes of the Governance. Sarah’s mother is taken and Sarah results to a more direct form of address. The idea here is also sound although the direction and staging hampers the energy somewhat.
Finally, Seeking Manchester by Douglas Murdoch is a strong and dynamic piece, performed by Tom Corbishley and Thomas Brough.
Matt and Casper are trying to lead a revolution from their basement and although there is a strong sense of futility, their friendship and wish for a safe place in Manchester drives them forward.
The pace is well handled and there is a feeling that this could make an excellent radio play as would Classified.
It is always good to see new work being tried out and this piece is repeated on 8th June at Burdall’s Yard.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Life, Still, by the Greedy Pig Theatre Company was at Burdall’s Yard in Bath on Sunday 2nd June, and will be showing again on Saturday 8th June.
