News From Vauxhall, The Hope Theatre Review

Written by Bronagh for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

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News From Vauxhall is inspired by a series of notes and poems by writer and Vauxhall resident Alan Alphie Pritchard. These are brought to life in the Hope Theatre through dance, song and flashbacks. We twist and turn, dance and sing throughout London, our fifth character in this wonderful production.

News From Vauxhall is an exploration of Pritchard’s works, a ‘wild odyssey’. The main crux of the show is the loss of the author’s friend in an explosion at Kings Cross and the aftermath. The flashbacks to happier times, the depression, the trauma, the grief. News From Vauxhall is a beautifully moving production, fragments of work all fitting together and allowing us an insight into Pritchard’s mind. This main storyline is accompanied by cuts to various other short scenes. Why are we watching detectives at night or office workers creating an advert? Why are we seeing all of these flashbacks to club nights? I can see why News From Vauxhall can be initially confusing to the audience, however, things soon start to piece together. We are now privy to the dark secrets that London is hiding. The monsters, the absurdities, the illusions. This unusual concept engages the audience, keeping them on their toes.

The cast of News From Vauxhall is truly world class. This is the second production that I have seen Buddleia Maslen in, and she was just as enchanting second time round. Her beautiful voice and delivery of lines is just stunning to watch. Michelle Hanks is haunting playing bereaved Jean, still unable to board public transport following the explosion. Virginia Brito is Sonia –‘the ghost’, who was previously so full of life and loved by her friends. Virginia embodies this and plays a cheeky and charming character. Lastly Alain English is Alphie, our poet. He portrays the struggle and depression so well, and his and Sonia’s exchange at the end of the play is heartwarming and powerful in equal measure. The cast all switch between other characters seamlessly – sometimes literally undressing – and all with their own stories and motives.

Anca Nana Vaida is known for her movement direction, and this is no exception in News From Vauxhall. Our cast twists and turns into monsters, dances around the stage, flying through locations and times. The Kings Cross blast is particularly fantastic, with Kimber Wright’s lighting casting the stage in a red light, mimicking fire. The cast’s movement helps us to envision them flying in the aftermath of the explosion, the fright and horror visible in their eyes.

News From Vauxhall is a gem of a production, equally moving and hilarious at times. The sheer volume of talent involved in the making of News From Vauxhall as well as the cast is incredible, I would love to see this show transfer to a larger venue, and for more people to experience the wonder of the notes and poems from our Vauxhall writer.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆