An Open Clasp and Live Theatre co-production, commissioned by Queen’s
Hall Arts:
don’t forget the birds
Tour dates include:
20-24 November, Live Theatre, Newcastle
28 Nov-1 Dec, Battersea Arts Centre, London
Written by Catrina McHugh MBE
Directed by Laura Lindow
Set & Costume Designer Verity Quinn
Lighting Designer Ali Hunter
Sound Designer Mariam Rezaei
Movement Director Mona McCarthy
Cast
Cheryl Byron
Abigail Byron
don’t
forget the birds is another powerful production from Open Clasp who continue to create
shows that empower both the women that they work with and those in the audience
too. Never preachy, they transmit a message with emotion and precision. Yet don’t forget the birds is also
thoroughly entertaining too and makes for a great night at the theatre – no wonder
there was a genuine standing ovation at the end.
Writer Catrina McHugh interviewed mother and daughter Cheryl and Abigail
Byron about their experiences about reuniting after mother Cheryl had spent 2
years at HMP Low Newton. Rather than using actors, the real life family group
appear on stage to present their own story. This results in an amazing
connection with the audience. The chemistry between them couldn’t be replicated
by another pairing. The magical, probably unscripted, moments when they support
each other through the hour long show added a unique dimension to the
experience. Sometimes the mother’s reaction produced a laugh from the audience
as we recognised the family dynamic.
This is a unique, and rather special show.
The recollections begin on the day Cheryl left prison. The anticipation,
from both sides, of the moment freedom is achieved. A trip for fast food
quickly moves to the first visit to the Job Centre. This is a true story and
the action of the person conducting the interview leaves a similar bad taste to
the scenes in the recent movie I, Daniel
Blake as the very system that should be there as a safety net fails.
Director Laura Lindow packs a lot in to the hour-long show. Previous relationships,
abuse, working, prison life, upbringing and racism all feature in driving the
narrative. But, riding above all of that, we have the close bond between a mother
and her daughter. The discussion about cleaning the house is typical of the special
chemistry that could not work if this was a pair of unrelated actors who had
learnt a script. The fact that, occasionally, this real life family pair refer
to the script adds to the charm rather than detract from the central theme.
don’t forget the birds
is a solid example of why theatre is such an amazing artform and is
particularly suited at conveying emotion. It shows why local companies like
Open Clasp and local theatres, such as Queens Hall and Live Theatre are
important in representing the region through new writing. Powerful, empathetic and
entertaining, don’t forget the birds is
well worth experiencing.
Review by Stephen Oliver
Photos: Keith Pattison
Tickets:
Recommended age: 13+
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