| “Funny, Touching...A Joyous Big Hug of a Show" |
Wales at Edinburgh Fringe in the 2020s |
| Luke Hereford- Grandmothers Closet- Wales Millennium Centre & Luke Hereford Productions , Summerhall Cairns Lecture Theatre , September 3, 2022 |
From Musical Theatre Review:“In this autobiographical and heartfelt show, queer artist Luke Hereford joins his Nan’s 90th Birthday celebrations at the home she lived in for many years and which became Luke’s safe space. Now suffering from dementia, she is being cared for elsewhere but is brought back to her house to party with her relatives, who include Uncle Ignorant, the homophobe, who taunted Luke growing up. “...Hereford is an engaging performer and has written a beautiful and very moving piece of theatre, highlighting key moments in his journey by belting out inventively the hits of Madonna, Kylie and Kate Bush. The set is clever and full of theatrical surprises, as Hereford works his way through his Nan’s glamorous wardrobe. There is smart direction by Francois Pandolfo and supportive onstage accompaniment from bestie Bobby Harding on keyboards and raised eyebrows. “...A lovely, funny, touching show, which made me wish that all those kids being bullied and trodden on because they dare to be different had a Nan like Luke’s. Culture Fix gave five stars: “Luke’s grandmother may not remember things like she used to, but Luke recollects the pivotal moments in which their Grandmother supported them as they began to find themself. From early performances in the living room at family events to the encouragement to attend their first Pride, Luke’s grandmother proved to be powerhouse force in supporting her grandson discover their true self. The performer reflects on these key moments with a touching sentimentality and natural vulnerability, yet manages to produce an electric atmosphere thanks to vivacious musical performances inspired by the divas that Luke’s youth. “Luke excitedly welcomes the audience in to the Cairns Lecture Theatre encouraging us to party as high octane disco from Sylvester’s You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) blasts out – we get an immediate snapshot of the bustling energy and excitement that Luke will be bringing to the stage for the next hour as part of this one person show meets cabaret. There’s support from Bobby Harding who provides musical accompaniment to Luke’s numbers, whilst also chiming in for a number of well-pitched moments of comic sparring between the pair. “Upon being flooded with the wealth of memories inspired by their grandmother’s closet, Luke bursts into an energetic mash-up of Madonna’s Dress You Up and Material Girl, both tracks a fitting ode to the glamour and fashions that fill the production. Luke masterfully manages to delve into tones of high energy camp in these numbers, but impressively can steer the narrative territory into tender more emotional directions.” Broadway Baby: “Grandmother's Closet is an autobiographical musical adventure. Written by and starring Luke Hereford it delves into the relationship between him and his first ever ally- his Nan. It's his grandmother's 90th party and a relative known as "Uncle Ignorant" uses a homophobic slur toward Luke. He needs to find his Nan, the woman that has protected him for all these years but instead, he stumbles on her wardrobe. A source of comfort for his whole life, he dresses up in the familiar glamorous clothes and within them finds the confidence to be his true self. “Grandmother's Closet is a touching show with a beautiful relationship at the centre of it. Hereford leaps and dives around the room twirling bedsheets that double up as the iconic "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" outfit. An engaging performer throughout, Hereford is a delight to spend the hour with. Featuring great big pop songs that he grew up with, Grandmother's Closet is a whirlwind through his first Pride event and how the relationship with his Nan impacted his life. A joyous big hug of a show.” Audience feedback: “Cheering, uplifting, joyful, sentimental. Top tunes and a great storyline told with bags of enthusiasm and engagement.” “This was a great show from a really good actor. The story itself was a deeply moving story about the bonds between a young gay man and his grandmother who supported him in many ways. I recommend everyone to go and see it.” “A beautiful balance of joy, pain, and gorgeous spectacle. A fun and uplifting watch - great way to start your day at the Fringe! Will leave you smiling, hopeful, and humming a tune.” “An amazingly joyful, touching show! I loved it!” Reviews quoted, with thanks: https://musicaltheatrereview.com/grandmothers-closet-edinburgh-festival-fringe/ https://www.culturefix.co.uk/?p=23756 https://www.broadwayworld.com/scotland/article/Edinburgh-2022-Review-GRANDMOTHERS-CLOSET-Summerhall-20220811 Audience at: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/grandmother-s-closet |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
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