Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down

Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down

Sewell Barn Theatre

Review published in Eastern Daily Press, 5 April 2014

Norwich is blessed with many performance venues, but the welcoming Sewell Barn is an overlooked gem. This play makes a visit essential.

Staged at very short notice after the scheduled one had to be cancelled, this south Yorkshire narrative about local community tragedies during the 60s to the 70s is well judged, immaculately timed and paced.

Talented Michelle Montague directs with deftness and flair what is a series of interlinked monologues with life’s experiences, growing up, disillusionment, humour, tragedy and the period brought to life in the crucible of the stage.

Charlotte Pound, Alice Haskell and Louise Waller superbly play women intimidated by the dark figure of a violent womaniser, finally wreaking their terrible revenge. This is compelling storytelling of the highest order.

There is something of the confessional about how each woman draws us in to her view of the death of a child and its long-felt consequences. Author Richard Cameron describes it as ‘one soul crying out to another.’

It draws you in, it stays in the mind. It stirs the emotions. It is wholeheartedly recommended.