By: Rosie Sharman-Ward
A pier somewhere, rain sodden, decaying and condemned. A disheartened Pier Theatre company, decomposing almost as rapidly as the pier itself, try and muster the enthusiasm for their final show. They remember piers from their childhood days, happy family memories from when thoughts cost a penny and a nod from the household name topping the bill was worth more than all the ice cream. Where the policeman laughed… things seemed simpler then.
Pierless is a beautifully crafted show. It sighs with nostalgia and is forthright and delicate in equal measures. Its laser wit is dark and very funny. Using an emotive soundscape, lighting and simple props the show conjures a disparate community running out of time. Thrown together by work and now dissipating, did they ever have anything in common? Their future seems as uncertain as the Pier’s, battered by relentless seas and time itself.
For the more mature members of the audience like myself it is poignant watch. Piers are still a favourite for me to visit and Hastings was my pier. Childhood memories of my grandparents and my dad. My heart broke a little when it burned down, the new version is just not the same!
Pierless is the 10th production by Theatre Royal Plymouth’s creative community programme, Our Space. Celebrating 15 years of working with adults disconnected from their community by homelessness, mental health, addiction and reoffending or isolation, this dynamic outreach has helped over 1000 people regain health and happiness. A valuable collaboration that demonstrates clearly how necessary the Arts are to human wellbeing. The results speak for themselves in the discovery of a wealth of talented creatives and performers coming together on brilliant productions such as Pierless. I enjoyed chatting with both project managers and participants before the show. I heard the stories of veterans emerging from intense trauma and reconnecting with their families. One man told me how he struggles to get out of bed some days but knowing he has a workshop that day gives him the impetus. “I love it, I get there all grumpy but then I feel happy.” The enthusiasm and pride heartwarming to see, so much love in the room. Happy 15th Our Space, long may you continue.