‘a show with a uniquely captivating story telling technique’
The dark performance space has a stack of old suitcases on the left and one open in the centre where a record plays and a lone figurine rotates round and round. On the right there is a screen, before the play has even started it is clear there is something different about the way this story will be told.
We meet a man at border control played by Ralph McCubbin Howell who is stopped by a baggage inspector played by Hannah Smith for having suspicious luggage. He is surprised by this and explains to the inspector that she really might not want to see the contents of the luggage.
As would be expected the inspector is insistent and will not let him through without opening each suitcase, he reluctantly agrees but highlights that doing so will be at her own risk. What follows is a series of short stories told from the contents of the suitcases where each suitcase transports you to a different world. Every suitcase holds a different story with a different story telling medium, each as clever as the last.
Hannah Smith’s direction is sharp and witty. This is enhanced by the extremely clever and creative production and technical design by Rachel Marlow and Brad Gledhill which gives the feeling that you are seeing to the mind of an inventor.
The show combines intricate props and creations with light and sound to create a unique and captivating storytelling technique and Ralph’s actions and facial expressions enrich the overall affect. Some stories are interesting, others are humorous, but at first none of them seem that connected. Although, they do share an undercurrent of darkness.
After hearing a few of the stories, there is a penny drop moment and Ralph’s true character is revealed. Suddenly, the stories make sense, and the contents of the bags highlight the history of the characters within them. We are brought to the present day watching the CCTV of events unfolding on the screen. As the show ties cleverly ties together you are left wondering, what story would be told in your own battered suitcase?
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Suitcase%20Show%22