Review: A SONG FOR ELLA GREY, UK Tour

Topher McGillis

A tragic love story, an exploration of sexuality in modern day society and a group of intelligent teenagers coming of age, A Song for Ella Grey raises insights into new perspectives with the addition of song and physicality.

Based off the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and the novel by David Almond, this Pilot Theatre production introduces Claire and best friend, Ella, who attempt to navigate the pathways of their teenage years. Through this, they explore love, loss and, ultimately, the grief of losing the one you love the most. To hear A Song for Ella Grey is to hear a great mythical call of sirens on the beaches of Northumberland.

Whilst this piece initially had the potential to be a multifaceted performance with the ability to convey a story through the combination of song, dance and narration, the show rapidly falls short. The ensemble physical elements alone are technically perfect and create a truly immersive atmosphere that has the possibility to form and carry a whole show in its creativity. However, the writing appears to be a struggle to understand, along with the lack of the whole ensemble’s vocal clarity making the piece highly inaccessible to a younger, less experienced or non-Tyneside native audience.

The performance standout is certainly Angelina, played by Beth Crame; her ability to explore and portray a multitude of minor characters that appear as part of the narrative throughout is impeccable and her range is truly extensive. Whilst there are some intelligent personifications in this piece, Crame and Jonathan Iceton’s work as presentations of Death veered more towards an Americanised, burlesque performance, which does not fit its brief.

Throughout the show, the stage was decorated with an artwork of lighting, projections and shadow work, by Chris Davey, which is highly commendable: its design holds the mystery and keeps up with each narrative event. Elements of costume design leave a lot to be desired, in comparison: the brief moments that the audience shares with the mighty duvet covered figure

A Song for Ella Grey is an experience for every audience. Whilst the successful elements conveyed the themes and narrative well, some of the less successful elements might leave an audience wanting more.

** Two Stars

Reviewed by Harley Keasey

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