ED FRINGE 2010: Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin – Pleasance Courtyard, Above

Devisers: Bethany Sheldon, Kathryn Lowe and Jennifer Sumner

Composer: Matthew Marks

Reviewer: Greig Ratcliff

The Public Reviews Rating:

When it comes to the daringly experimental world of modern theatre, an extremely fine line separates success and failure. Actors must have the confidence to radically expose their characters and force the audience into the plot; the script must be sufficiently audacious so as to draw the audience in; the audience themselves, even, must be prepared to accept what may be completely nonsensical and quite frankly ludicrous. This is exactly how I was feeling as I took my seat in anticipation of the show. With the title, “Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin” it gives the impression that what will be seen isn’t just another piece of experimental writing, and indeed it wasn’t.

In fact, the plot turns cliché on its head in an amusingly Seuss-like manner: the three main characters enter the stage and reveal themselves as Floor, Wall and Fireplace. Before long it is apparent that they are in search of their long lost owner, Mrs. Benjamin, and will stop at nothing to find her. With the aid of an old biscuit tin they retrace the house’s memories and what it has seen; her birth, childhood, loves and losses, and finally, the tragedy of her dementia and death. The sobering reality of the tale is only heightened through the ‘comical’ surrealism of the narration, which in new light turns sinister and sour.

Boasting a humorous and wildly inventive script and teamed with such a grounding and unexpected seriousness in the plot, I would encourage others to go and see the show- if not only for the innovative and confident acting styles, the subjects touched upon will affect and relate to many. A very much enjoyable show, albeit one that not all will appreciate, but a sound success nonetheless.