Presented initially as a lecture on the paranormal by self-confessed skeptic, Dr Ouida Burt PhD, Piskie is really about one person’s struggle with childhood trauma and the easily blurred lines between fantasy and reality when the mind is in turmoil. Written and performed by Lucy Roslyn, this is a charming, funny and thoughtful play about hope.
A charming, funny and thoughtful play about hope
Dr Burt is portrayed by Roslyn with an affable, if awkward charm; a likeable Alan Partridge with a PhD. As she works through her prepared notes on three historical paranormal reports whilst dealing with errant slides and electrical issues, she drops in jokes and asides that belie her expressed confidence in the non-existence of sinister magical creatures. The childhood loss of her father (who she reveals sleepwalked out of their home one night, never to return) and memories of her overbearing, grieving mother weigh heavily on Burt and, as the lecture slowly goes off the rails, we meet the scared little girl who never felt braver than when her dad believed in her.
Roslyn is fantastic in this role. She has created an intriguing character with complex issues that begin to become obvious to the audience as the play progresses. Childhood imaginary friends become real and the lecture format falls away as Dr Burt is finally forced to deal with the ghosts of her past.
Directed by Jamie Firth, Piskie is a confident, paced piece that isn’t afraid to linger in the thoughtful moments.
