A History of Paper at Pitlochry Festival Theatre Review
A History of Paper was originally a BBC radio play before being performed at Traverse during the 2024 Fringe, exploring the relationship of He and She, told through the papers that hold their memories.
The piece takes place on what seems to be a greyscale rocky beach shore, feeling slightly out of place prior to the show, but provides both actors a unique space to explore their characters and motivations. As the show progresses, the stage becomes more colourful with the development of the relationship, almost enveloping it with love and joy. A favourite being the copious amount of confetti blown on from the side of stage which lit up almost like they were full of electricity thanks to the flashes of colour synced to the music. Whilst lanterns in the fore and background were made all the more magical by the simple bobbing-like movements, so they looked like they were actually moving.
Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson play the couple with emotional gravitas, never dropping, even in the quiet solitude moments. In a nice change of pace, the piece focuses on the relationship between the two and not on them as individuals; we don’t really need to know their likes, their dislikes, instead learning what the audience needs for the sake of the plot as and when. Henderson’s sarcastic nature as She plays well against Cumming’s more emotionally charged performance, being able to bounce off each other with seamless ease.
The script written by Oliver Emmanuel and music by Gareth Williams blend into a singular being, never overshadowing each other, yet still hold strong in their own features. Each song is able to move the piece along without going off into tangents, being able to communicate both characters’ thoughts without leaning on one more than the other. I will say that without ruining the plot, there is a moment which completely changes the trajectory of the show; I'm sure I caught onto it pretty early, but it pays off when explored.
A History of Paper is a love letter to the memories we physicalise of those we love, performed by the stronghold duo of Cumming and Henderson. The show tugs at the heartstrings and takes it in a direction that made the audience gasp and the woman next to me whisper “oh my god!”
A History of Paper plays at Pitlochry Festival Theatre until 12 September.
★★★★★
Written by Kerry for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
