Double Bill: The Britz/Codetta, Tobacco Factory Theatres Review
Written by Bryony for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
It was Friday night at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol and a double bill from the Bristol School of Acting and the Wardrobe Ensemble, the latest performances from their Acting for Stage and Screen graduating students. The Britz was up first, and this really had a bit of everything; break ups, make ups, revelations, miscommunication, drugs, sexuality and if you can believe it, so much more. First, we meet Dipper, the organiser of the group who’s finally managed to get all five mates together to take the holiday out of the group chat… even if it is only for 14 hours. What happens from there is nothing short of a whirlwind, with mini stories between three pairs of guys.
My personal favourite was the story between Forehead and the gaffer; Forehead is a man of few words who takes some dodgy shrooms and ends up meeting God. Or so he thought. Actually, it’s just Brian Clough taking him through his paces – the audience participation was a fun touch here. The drills and pep talks (aka abusive encouragement) are enough to stir Forehead out of his silence and go on to attempt to save the boy’s holiday. The props and set were minimal but used well to help portray the story; there were doors, signs and suitcases, but also England flag bunting, a football and a particularly memorable scene with an inflatable banana.
After a short interval, it was time for Codetta. Described as the end of girlhood, the end of the world – the story centred on girlband The Daffodils, who shared the trials and tribulations of becoming a teenage girl through a twenty-tens style pop concert. The England flags had been replaced by fairy lights, and the stage was set with only one other additional feature – an Ikea flower wall light, a bedroom essential for many late nineties/ early noughties girl.
You’d be hard pushed not to feel nostalgic watching this. I found myself thinking back to that tricky time when you’d do anything to grow up faster, but you’re also holding on to what was. Whether that’s with a cuddly toy you can’t seem to part with, funny rituals and secret sayings with your childhood bestie or the girlband that seemed to know your every thought and feeling. But at the same time, you’re also grappling with your body changing, boys suddenly seeming interesting and whether you’re cool enough at school. It was fun to dip a toe back into that time but also served as a reminder that I’m very glad those days are behind me.
Each member of the band had her own unique personality and style which really shone through in the characterisation and lyrics – the songs were fun and catchy too, which is always a bonus! Particular shout outs to Freya and Bryony for their seamless transitions between playing girl band members and best friend/ mum respectively.
Congrats to the students on a couple of great productions – I look forward to seeing what they go on to do next.
★★★
