Don’t Look Back…!
A Song
for Ella Grey
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Saturday 16th September
2017
Writer: David Almond
Director: Lorne Campbell
Set & Costume
Designer: Jen McGinley
Sound Designer &
Composer: Mariam Rezaei
Movement Director: Martin
Hylton
Film & AV: Kris
Deedigan
Lighting Design: Sam
Vivash
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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North
East writer David Almond has taken the tale of Orpheus and moved it to his
native North East. His well written narrative is a study of teenage grief and
surviving painful tragedy. Amy Cameron’s performance as Claire was exquisite.
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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A Song For Ella Grey examines teen
friendships. At that age emotions can be much rawer and the need for peers can
be acute. During the course of the drama a group of school friends explore the
Ouseburn and head of to Bamburgh beach in Northumberland to party. David
Almond’s tale keeps returning to the themes of relationships. Director Lorne
Campbell has ensured the tale has a good pace through the production.
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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The
bulk of the set consists of boxes and stones however strong descriptive effect
of the monologue ensures we know what it represents. Amy Cameron has a magical
power to allow you to join her in the imagination of Claire as she creates the
events.
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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The
local nature of the narrative is accompanied by a video wall. Kris Deedigan has
created a montage of both the locations and the young people which follows the
action on stage. Using a young cast of 33 we have scenes in the classroom and
outside on their travels. The collage of faces, some occasions moving, was a really
powerful addition to the
soliloquy
the Amy Cameron was performing.
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Photo: Pamela Raith
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The
Orpheus elements of the story means that Claire needs to go searching for her
friend in the Underworld. This involves putting the whole venue in the dark. At
this point you become acutely aware of Mariam Rezaei’s sound design as it
guides you for nearly 20 minutes. Now we are not massive fans of gimmicks. Not
for us the wearing of 3D glasses or headsets in the theatre but this assault on
our senses did have an impact. The length of time that we were in the dark is
perhaps a matter of personal issue.
Amy
Cameron’s performance really holds your attention. It feels intimate &
personal as she describes this episode in her life. Videos aside, it is
effectively a one-person show and the poetic nature of much of script is at
times almost hypnotic. A Song For Ella
Grey is a compelling start to the new season at Northern Stage.
Review
by Stephen
Oliver
Tickets:
A Song
for Ella Grey opens
in Newcastle in September 2017. Tickets start
from £10 - for more information or to book tickets visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151.
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins (no interval)
Recommended Age: 14+ (some strong language)
Post-show talk: Wednesday 13 September with David Almond and Lorne Campbell
Please note: a section of this play will be performed in complete darkness.
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