Theatre Reviews

Written & Performed by Toby Peach
Produced by Rosalyn Newbery
Directed & Additional Content by David Jackson
Design by Kirsty Harris
Composition & Sound Design by David Ridley
Lighting Design by Jamie Platt
Photography by Richard Davenport
Graphic Design by Rebecca Pitt

With 2 bare light bulbs hanging from the rig for the inside locations, 2 chairs, an easel and a lecturn the set feels like you’re in a lecture hall. To some extent this is true. The show’s material was educational, funny, moving and poignant. Toby’s story takes us on a journey that’s both funny and gripping.

The lighting was effective. The video was relevant. The Sound was emotive. The script was brilliant! All Cued to perfection and mashed with Toby’s perfect pace and delivery. He interacted directly with the audience sufficiently and often enough to keep up on our toes – like a skilled teacher. And yes, I learnt a lot!

The lecturn was very clever – it opened up at the top to become a Cocktail bar where the chemotherapy cocktails were mixed and shared with one lucky girl in the audience. The front opens to reveal a “heart” of his stem cell harvest. His relationship with his drip on wheels apparatus (“Ivy” – I V – geddit?) was cute.

With front projection, low angles, and the inevitable projection of image hitting the actors, Toby used this to his advantage when his X-Rays were projected onto the screen. They could also be projected onto him which worked really well. (He’s also a lovely actor who stays out of the projection beam at other times. Big round of applause for this skill!!!)

Thoroughly recommend seeing this show! It proves that a great show can be created with limited lights and Set, just got to be clever ideas and concepts professionally presented.