Karaoke and the Quest to Survive is a one-act play written and performed by
Steffi Sweeney, co-founder of theatre company Wives’ Tales, who have a
residency at Edge Hill University’s Arts Centre.
A biographical work, Karaoke and the Quest to Survive introduces us to a host
of members of Sweeney’s family, using each of their signature Karaoke song
choices as a vehicle to open up their personalities.
Utterly spellbinding from the outset, the show is paced to
perfection under the keen-eyed direction of Kate Treadell. The momentum never
slackens throughout the 60 minutes onstage, and the work has a real sense of
structure, despite the glorious randomness of some of its content.
Sweeney has an immensely engaging performance style, and her
timing is as razor sharp as the humour that’s laced through the entire piece.
But as well as being laugh-out-loud funny in many places, there is some
stunning poignancy and personal depth too, and there are pauses in the
beautifully written dialogue in which you could hear a pin drop. Occasionally
it seemed that the audience almost stopped breathing.
It is a solo performance but involves a big cast of
characters. Here and there this is highlighted by segments of pre-recorded
background as part of the wider soundtrack, but for the most part they are
brought to life by Sweeney herself. Occasionally she may take to the microphone
to directly characterise someone, but mainly it is simply the act of speaking
to them as though they were onstage that makes us believe they are actually
there. At times you can almost swear you see them.
The narrative is sharp, witty and extraordinarily moving and
it is delivered with punch, precision and immense clarity. This is very polished
theatre making.
Karaoke and the Quest to Survive originated in an 18 seat karaoke bar as part
of the 2017 On the Verge fringe festival. Now developed into a full scale one
act play it is planning a tour, for which this performance in Edge Hill’s Rose
Theatre is a preview. Watch out for news of upcoming tour dates.
Steffi Sweeney and co-founder of Wives’ Tales Alice Lapworth
engage students at Edge Hill in every aspect of the production and performance
process. It’s great to see emerging talent not only creating great new writing
and performance, but sharing the experience with tomorrow’s creative minds.
Working alongside Edge Hill’s Performing Arts Department and with the support
of the Everyman’s new writing programme, here we see the future of theatre in
the making.
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| Steffi Sweeney |
This review was originally written for Good News Liverpool
Star Rating: Five Stars
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