There's much to commend in Red Ladder Theatre's 'Forgotten Things', written by Emma Adams. As a journey into a dysfunctional family, it is an absorbing experience with strong themes and difficult images. The story seems conventional enough - Toby (Woody Murray) is an adolescent boy, emotionally troubled and in trouble with the law, confined to the family home with an electronic tag. The home is shared not only with his selfish parents Philip (Steve Mosely) and Margo (Simone Lewis), but with Philip's mother Lilly (Jo Mousely), who is trapped in her own mind by dementia. Things take a turn for the surreal when Philip and Margo enlist the help of the unconventional Dr Kevin (puppet also played by Murray) to solve the family's problems.Directed by Rod Dixon and John Barber, the staging and production were excellent, incorporating a number of tricks that are extremely effective and all the more surprising in the Fringe context where there is pressure on companies to keep things simple to turn around quickly for the next show. Sound, lighting and puppetry were used to full effect, creating an intense atmosphere, and while the show I saw was a preview, the cast and crew had already made this a seamless, professional presentation.There are moments of anger and tenderness; humour and sadness. Murray's portrayal of Toby, unlistened to, isolated and unable to see a better future, was excellent, believable and all the more impressive when combined with his puppetry for Dr Kevin. Mousely captured the bewilderment of a dementia sufferer, with flashes of lucidity amidst her confusion. As husband and wife, Mosely and Lewis give physical performances, put through their paces by Dr Kevin.Well worth pencilling in for that after lunch slot.
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- Established 2004
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- By Kathryn Mack
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- 7th Aug 2009
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- ★★★★
Reviews by Kathryn Mack
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The Blurb
A darkly comic and uncomfortably recognisable reflection on the pressures of family life, Red Ladders surreal production of Emma Adams FORGOTTEN THINGS will be playing at the Pleasance King Dome (Venue 23) from 5 to 31 August at 1.50pm. FORGOTTEN THINGS follows the story of one boys often futile fight to be heard above the noise of everyday life. Fusing puppetry, physical performance and theatrical trickery Red Ladder have created a visually enticing cross-generational show which will make young people and their families stop and listen.
Teenagers make mistakes, its part of growing up; making that journey from a fumbling adolescent to adulthood is supposed to be complicated. Toby is a teenager whose feelings of hopelessness are overwhelming. Misunderstood by his self-absorbed parents he has come to the conclusion that he will never really be heard. In an attempt to comprehend their sons past mistakes his parents enlist the help of Dr. Kevin whose rather unorthodox methods of therapy push them to their limits. But Toby finds solace in the most unusual place; entrusted with the care of Grandma Lilly as she anxiously tries to unravel her past, he discovers that, despite her dementia, she is the only one who will ever truly listen.
Bradford-born Emma Adams is one of the Norths emerging new playwriting talents. Emma currently has a childrens feature film THE BIG BAD in development with Afan Films and Future Films. Red Ladders Artistic Director Rod Dixon and puppet maker John Barber co-direct FORGOTTEN THINGS. Rods past productions for the company include WHERES VIETNAM? and DOORS. John is a puppet maker, animator and designer. He was Artistic Director of Open Hand Theatre Company and commissions have included West Yorkshire Playhouse, Bolton Octagon and The Library Theatre.
Woody Murray returns to the role of Toby/Dr. Kevin, his other credits include THE TEMPEST (Marlowe outdoor season, Canterbury) and WIDOWS (Arcola). Playing Philip is Steve Mosley whose past credits include ONCE UPON A QUARRY HILL (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and DOORS (Red Ladder). Lilly is played by Jo Mousely her credits include A TASTE OF HONEY (The Lowry-Studio Theatre) and BLOOD WEDDING (Liverpool Playhouse). Playing Mum Margot is Simone Lewis her credits include SUITCASE STORIES (Sheffield Theatres).
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