Louise Mothersole and Rebecca Biscuit are the artists behind the multi-award-winning Sh!t Theatre. Those familiar with their work will find Or What’s Left Of Us a little different to their usual style but won’t be disappointed as they maintain simple and skilled storytelling that packs a punch.
We learn that Mothersole and Biscuit attended a folk night at an old pub, only for the pub to burn down a week later. This begins the premise of the show as they relive that night, speculating who could fire bomb a folk club.
At the top of the show, things feel uneasy, and unsure where it’s sitting tonally. Should the audience be laughing? Or scared? Perhaps that’s exactly what Mothersole and Biscuit are aiming for because, by the final section of the show, they have us exactly where they want us. What initially appears to be a quirky show relying on the performers’ charm evolves into a deeply moving, poignant and timely experience. The writing calls back to moments throughout the show and pulls the narrative together effortlessly.
What’s Left Of Us uses the framework of a folk sing-around to include a selection of folk songs. They are self-accompanied by an array of folk instruments and the clever use of a record player, which also acts as effective set dressing. Their voices blend and harmonise beautifully together, but occasionally, the energy is lacking, or the songs could be shorter.
There is a slight clunkiness in the earlier sections between the performers and their stage personas as they move between the casual and theatrical. A small handful of technical or line stumbles adds to this clunkiness. However, the moments that make these switches cleanly are thrilling, and by the end of the show, the performers are utterly shining. The performances become vulnerable, refined and electric. Mothersole and Biscuit’s ability to present such personal material without any sense of indulgence is impressive and commendable.
Josephine Tremelling’s lighting design does a superb job supporting the storytelling. The design creates beautiful images, takes us through time and space, and shapes the mood and tension. This is all achieved within the space’s reasonably limited lighting capacity. The costuming involves handmade animal masks and headdresses and some detailed wall hangings, which fill the space and build a feeling of history.
Following the performance, the audience is invited to join a “folk sing-around”. Those who choose to stay are welcome to lead a song, pick up a guitar or just clap along. This is a joyous and cathartic way to end the night and provides a warm sense of community.
Sh!t Theatre are gifted, generous storytellers and Or What’s Left Of Us is a meaningful addition to their repertoire.
Runs until 1 March 2025
