5 posts
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Post by theswearycritic on Feb 11, 2024 0:41:26 GMT
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5 posts
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Post by theswearycritic on Mar 28, 2024 10:07:12 GMT
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Post by capybara on Apr 4, 2024 21:04:37 GMT
A very enjoyable one-woman musical in which Ellie Walsh stars as the French ceramist Marie-Berthe Cazin. It’s a true story which touches upon her career and life, set mainly in 1930s Paris, and although it never quite caught light for me, there is no doubting this is lovey piece propelled by an extremely talented individual in Walsh.
It was a welcome return to Upstairs at the Gatehouse, in leafy Highgate, for me after Songs For a New World earlier this year. While that show’s score really got under my skin, In Clay does indeed feature some powerful numbers, it did lack in variety and felt, at times, like I was watching a slightly more melancholy Ride.
It’s a touching piece of theatre though and Walsh is faultless as she takes you on Marie’s journey. In her final performance (she shares the role with Rosalind Ford, who was watching on in the audience), she brought plenty of charisma and humour to the track.
I loved the overall direction of In Clay, taking full advantage of the tight space, complete with cabaret table seating. It really did feel like a 1930s Parisian art studio. I’m glad I made the trip to catch Walsh in the role and, while I didn’t quite make the personal connection to the piece, I can see why it’s garnered such positive reviews.
Three stars.
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