Theatre Review: Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin, Richmond Georgian Theatre Royal (From The Northern Echo)

Theatre Review: Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin, Richmond Georgian Theatre Royal

4:50pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Entertainment

HOW many times have you heard that old adage: “I bet this old house could tell some stories.”?

This production does precisely that, giving voice to three characters – Chimney, Wall and Floor – three neglected and dusty women who are searching for their owner.

Floor (Kathryn Lowe) shuffles in and, carrying her fireside carpet like a comfort blanket, she lies on the floor. She can hear a noise, but it’s just the pipes settling. She begins to fantasise about being Hoovered, turning the experience into a groaning sex romp.

Chimney (Jennifer Sumner) is doing some posh coughing in the background, leaning on the back of the fireplace when Wall (Bethany Sheldon) arrives with a folder of old letters and cards.

She’s grumpy, her wallpaper garb is layered and peeling, and all three have the dust of neglect in their hair. They’re looking for Rosie Benjamin, the owner of the house, who suddenly went away. Where could the old lady be?

A biscuit tin full of memories in the old microwave announces itself with a scary voice. As they rummage through its contents, stories of a younger Mrs Benjamin emerge.

A door on wheels becomes a portal to the past, a hat stand becomes a dancer wearing a coat, then a gravestone for a dead husband.

The production from Maison Foo is all very cleverly put together in a style that’s quite unique and endearingly funny.