Once again, this year will see a number of productions at the Edinburgh Fringe with Workshop Theatre connections.
Airborne Theatre are returning with ‘Splinters of Light’ after success last year with ‘Jumping and other thoughts. Details to follow, but for now, here’s the reviews from 2008.
Directors: Ben Luke, Becky Martin
Producer: Sylvia Harrison
Press & Marketing: Anna Landreth-Strong
Cast: Stephanie De-Whalley, Milagros Mabres, Cara Cummings, Al Cummins, Amy Powell-Yates
From The Scotsman:
Theatre Review: Jumping and Other Thoughts
Published Date: 20 August 2008
By David Pollock
JUMPING AND OTHER THOUGHTS ****
UNDERBELLY (VENUE 61)
A PLAY with an excess of gentleness and low-key charm, Aireborne Theatre’s Jumping and Other Thoughts is one of those Fringe shows which slips under the radar and then comes right into its own as a speculative ticket purchase. It’s better than just a
little gem to be stumbled across; it deserves an audience who have eagerly sought it out.
Amid a shining ensemble cast and a clearly talented behind-the-scenes crew, it’s the direction of Fringe newcomer Becky Martin that deserves the most praise. Although the script by Rich Thornton, Jess Heywood and Al Cummins is lightly pleasing rather than hugely insightful, Martin coaxes every inch of potential from it. At just 21, she hopefully has a long and bright career waiting for her.
A photographic darkroom assistant delivers a lecture-like monologue on processing photographs – ie, rolls of film. His passion for this dying technique emphasises the retro, homespun nature of the play. Ways of seeing occupy the four female characters too. Photographer Annie obsesses over her craft to the exclusion of her friendship with the lonely Katie, while Summer, who has synaesthesia, teams up with journalist Fran to discover whether a dead homeless man was affected by the same condition.
The aesthetic of quality indie cinema looms large here. Art Pedro’s guitar soundtrack is minimal but evocative, and at certain points characters freeze-frame in the midst of a scene.
And touchingly, cards are pulled from the washing line strung up around the stage and read out, having been used beforehand to collect the audience’s thoughts on the last time they felt alive. These are affecting moments in a quite gorgeous play.
.jpg "Jumping and Other Thoughts")
… and from three weeks:
Jumping And Other Thoughts
Airebourne Theatre
If this show was a colour, what would it be? It would have to be something soft like a pillow, warm like a cup of tea, and sweet like candy floss: yes, definitely light pink. It was just so nice, to be taken for a mind wander, invited to ponder on matters of sensuality, friendship, life and photography. It made me feel so happy that I just wanted to cuddle the whole show. There were a few laughs, a couple of tears and lots of smiles. The story was gently unfolded like fresh linen, occasionally a crease would appear, only to be ironed smooth in the end. It left me in a positive mood for the rest of the day.
Underbelly, dates vary, 1.50pm (2.50pm), £8.50 (£7.50), fpp 208
tw rating: 4/5
published: Aug-2008