Swishtheatre's new play at Venue 45 is lovely. There's no better word I can find to describe it. It's just lovely. We are introduced to a collection of flowers, gathered together in a flower shop. However, the heart of the play is more than simply horticulture. The shop owner Iris is haunted by a memory, not even a whole one, just a fragment. Through this memory and its different interpretations, we gain a small insight into her character.
Along the way, the flowers sing, argue, joke and moan. From start to finish the performance bristles with energy from this dynamic young cast. Scenes are simply played and never go on too long - often a flaw found in new work at the Fringe. Language is uncomplicated and feels natural. The flowers converse with each other in a way that avoids cliche, and even more crude jokes such as 'dip my stamen in your water' do not work against the warm connection developing between cast and audience.
Movement and singing are kept to just the right amount, complimenting scenes rather than dominating them. I particularly enjoyed Joanne Toner's performance as the Rose, addicted to weedkiller, and Louise King's proud Sunflower, who'd like a little more light... All in all, this is a charming little production, that I'd recommend anyone with a free hour to.
