Review - Pod - Little Theatre

POD
The Little Theatre
22nd January 2023

Written by Arabella Arnott

Presented by Progressive Players

Directed by Louise Wright 

Cast 

Cathy Williams

Jim McGrath

Laura Boxleitner

Val Neal

Set in a glamping pod over the course of one weekend, this play by local writer Arabella Arnott explores the themes of grief, family, truth and honesty (which I think are not always the same thing). It is a gentle, humorous look at how families interact with each other, how we deal with grief, and how everything we do impacts the other members - even unintentionally. We develop ideas and beliefs based on our own perceptions, and these may not be accurate, or even true at all. 

Rose and Dan have arranged a family weekend away to commemorate and celebrate the life of their father on his birthday.  From their conversation we can glean that relationships within the family may be a little strained, so by the time the mother Iris, and sister Daisy arrive we are already anticipating some friction. As the play progresses some of the source of the friction becomes clear - sibling rivalry, the attitude of the youngest to ageing and growing old. All of which leads to tensions, but also much gentle humour. Added to this the reason for the weekend - a deceased father - and the tensions are heightened even more. 

Secrets are hinted at, and some are voiced - not all are welcome! I can't say much more than that without spoiling the plot - so you will have to go along to the Little Theatre this week to find out the whos, wheres and whys! 

The set for this play is astounding - the pod, complete with fire pit and outdoor dining set is almost a character in itself. The backdrop of pastel trees changes subtly to signify the time of day from pale orange to a deeper mauve, and scenes are separated with lighting and music - Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon, We are Family,  and Morning Has Broken - and the Piece de Resistance at the end - Zorba's Song. All very fitting for the story. 

The cast do an excellent job portraying this grieving family but I especially liked Val Neal as Iris - "Wait till you hear this one!" - her mantra throughout the play. Her timing is spot on, and she is constantly reacting to the other characters even when the focus is not on her - never not acting her part. 

This is a funny, poignant play, well presented and directed. It is definitely worth going to see - and it gives a bit of summer sunshine in January - what could be better?  I defy anyone not to do the dance up the aisle on the way out...

Denise Sparrowhawk 

*images courtesy of Progressive Players