Green House, Peachplant Productions Review

Peachplant Productions have provided a safe space for North East talent to come together and thrive in their first ever GREENHOUSE event at Live Theatre. This celebration was collaborative in nature, showcasing new writing, singing and comedy with a talented cast of actors, skillful direction and movement that struck every note on the emotional scale. It truly was a stellar night of talent.

The evening consisted of four pieces of new writing that were satisfyingly different in appeal, short in length, but enough to capture the senses and leave the audience wanting more.

Act 1 Beginners - written by Carl Wylie
Directed by Lucy Curry
Performed by Luke Maddison

This was the perfect piece to start the night off in style with a glimpse behind the curtain into the life and mind of an actor. Maddison peformed with humour and heart to superbly showcase that no matter what 'the show must go on.'

The Phonebox written by Sarah Davy
Directed by Micky Cochrane
Performed by Jackie Lye and Jake Jarratt

A poignant piece with heart at the centre of the narrative. Lye and Jarratt shone brightly in the piece with endearing chemistry. The Phone Box’s synopsis is that everything is tied, everyone is connected, and Judith is tied to a phone box.

Bloodmoon written by Alison Scurfield
Directed by Zoe Murtagh
Movement direction by Lucy Curry
Performed by Bridget Marumo, Maya Torres and Lucy Davis

Bold and unapologetic in nature that I applaud, highlighting the pain and struggles of the impact of endometriosis. There was beauty in the movement and moments of wonderful stillness that entertwined around the important messages portrayed in the piece. This was performed perfectly by Marumo, Torres and Davis and left a lasting impression.

Direct Action written by Arabella Arnott
Directed by Paula Penman
Performed by Jude Nelson, Ben Storey, Jeannie May and Micky Cochrane

What a piece to finish the evening off in style. Pure comedy gold that showcased the comedy chops of Nelson, Storey and May to perfection, not to mention the witty cameo made by Cochrane. These characters intrigued me, no end, and left me wanting more.

Weaving between the pieces were the endearing vocals of Maya Torres, who had the audience in the palm of her hand. Stand up comedy by Si Beckwith, who had ten minutes to win across the audience, and with a cheeky charm offensive, he certainly managed to do just that. Finally, Tom Hall-Davison added his swing jazz vocals into the mix, with a stunning set that had style and charisma.

This night was a true melting pot of North East talent and I hope that this is the beginning of many Greenhouse evenings.