Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light – Sheffield University Drama Studio

Writer: Allison Davies

Director: Karen Traynor

As part of its UK tour,Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Lightarrives at the University of Sheffield’s beautifully intimate Drama Studio. The play follows Elsa and her journey through life, as she struggles to fit into society whilst never truly understanding in why. It’s only later in life that she gets diagnosed with autism. The play is funny yet moving, and very enlightening as well.

Allison Davies’ script is fantastic, bringing the audience into the action whilst telling Elsa’s story very authentically. She scatters enough humour throughout the piece to ensure it never stays too heavy for too long. Verity Quinn’s design is simple but the set is used very effectively to depict a multitude of locations. Simon Cole’s lighting is well designed, given the show is presented in relaxed format. The house lights remain partially up and there are no sudden changes in lighting state, but the lighting still shows the emotional journey of Elsa beautifully. Roma Yagnik’s sound design is fantastic, especially given she has designed three different versions. The show is heard through headphones, meaning audience members can choose whether they want the full bells and whistles version, the relaxed version or something in between. At times, there is some microphones dropping in and out but on the whole it works very well.

Hannah Genesius is an outstanding leading lady. As Elsa she is likeable, building a strong rapport with the audience immediately. She gives a very believable performance, making Elsa’s struggles difficult to watch and landing comedic punchlines well. Zoe Lambert gives a moving performance as Elsa’s mother, whilst demonstrating impeccable comic timing. Yemini Oyinloye is a joy to watch as her variety of characters. She is great as a range of authority figures, including doctors and teachers. Se and Genesius develop a heart-warming relationship as the show explores romance through lens of autism.

Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Lightis an important piece of theatre, making autistic individuals feels seen and educating neurotypical audience members on what it is really like to live as a person with autism.

Reviewed on 13th February 2024.