Smoke Yourself Slim
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'Smoke Yourself Slim' is a young and dynamic London-based theatre company, formed in January 2007 by its Artistic Director, Naia Headland-Vanni. The company comprises of graduates from Rose Bruford College and London Metropolitan University.
The current production: 'Watiting' is NOW showing. For further information please see 'Productions'
Review of Waiting:
"I never knew how heavy emptiness could feel" *
by Peter Carrington for remotegoat on 23/02/10
At first the silence is only punctuated by the sipping of wine, but before long conversation flows with it, bringing the audience expertly into a familiar world of choices, memories, romance and ambition. Once the dialogue gets going it flows naturally and laughs are found in many ways, like an enjoyable evening with good friends.
Laura Gabriella Perkins and Dhaniella Mauger play the good friends, spending their evening Waiting for something to happen. With Lauren Wigmore as the barmaid all are very comfortable in their roles, pulling the audience into the characters worlds and how their orbits have intertwined. Each of them have charm and wit, yet give us three points of a personality triangle. Within that triangle, Lauren Wigmore slips the most into portraying the various memories of the characters, giving life to childhood hopes and dreams, teenage angst and young adult confusion with a vivacity that makes many of her lines moving. With the memories playing before the audience and in the minds of the girls, the characters are reminded how they came to be where they are, how they came to be the people they are and the difficulties in choosing a path. In doing so, the audience becomes aware of their own choices and paths, but this is never forced, as the characters are so easy to relate to.
The production is understated, with the audience sat as if in a bar, without complications that would distract from the messages of the play this works well. The homemade feel is endearing and suits this small but well formed play.
In the comfortable space, with no barrier between audience and cast this insightful piece leaves the audience dwelling on their own memories and paths.
'Smoke Yourself Slim' will also be appearing at the Henley Fringe (July 17-23) and New York City in 2010 so keep watching this space
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Naia Headland-Vanni at Spotlight
Naia Headland-Vanni at Casting Call Pro