Review – Thames Tales

What is London? Is a question we heard a lot on the night, we found it on the program,  were asked to contribute our answers, which was perfect for a play that demands reflection.
As the Tales unravel, we are faced with the things and people we ignore on the streets of London, in our crazy rushed lives. Rachele Fregonese‘s writing sucked me in immediately and I suppose the lovely intimate Southwark Playhouse helped too.
We are reminded that we need to stop sometimes and look around to remember why do we live in London, or why we would want to leave London.
Tired of London, tired of life? Even if we can’t see the stars at night we can see 8 million lights, 8 million stories and that counts for something.
The cast did a great job, considering, of course, that for some of them was the first time performing.

The set, simple but effective. I loved the touch with the cast bringing the staples of London City onto the stage. The backbone of the story was offered the ever wise coffee lady representing the awakening  aka coffee that got to observe and chat with most of the cast, overseeing over their days, offering advice and even saving them in more ways than one…I want to know such coffee lady too.
I loved this play, the love for London, but not a blind love, love for Shakespeare.  Rachele Fregonese has the makings of becoming one of the best writers of our generation.

Review by Andreea Helen David.

Thames Tales was performed on 29-30 March at Southwark Playhouse by the People’s Company.