Spoiler Warning!
Jess Hughes: Relationships Sub-Editor
One of the play's highlights was the thought and effort that went into the set design. From leaves scattered on the floor to submerge the play into autumn, to an entire living room to house the family and their squabbles. The design choices really elevated the play, allowing the viewer to be submerged in the world of the play. This, paired with the play's great sound effects, helped the audience forget they were even watching a play.
The student acting was also another highlight of the production. Each performer brought their character to life with such commitment and energy, it was easy to forget you were watching students. Whether it was a quiet, emotional moment or a chaotic family argument, their acting was great. Their performances felt natural and full of heart, keeping the audience engaged even when the story took a few detours.
Speaking of the story, that’s where things got a bit shaky. Some of the plotlines were hard to follow, and a few scenes felt a little random as if the play was juggling too many threads without giving each the attention it deserved. These moments, though perhaps intended to provide emotional depth, often left the audience questioning their relevance. Those moments slowed things down and made the play feel a bit disjointed.
Still, the strong acting and amazing set design made the overall experience a memorable one.
P.S. The addition of The Courier as a prop was much appreciated!
Agnes Kargbo: Fashion and Beauty Sub-Editor
Moving and heartfelt. ‘Pieces of Us’ was a great watch. It spoke of the importance of family and cherishing loved ones. It also touched on topics of grief and domestic violence.
What stood out to me most was the way in which, amidst some quite dark topics, comedic aspects were cleverly intertwined and made natural. (I thank ‘Jim’, ‘Anne’ and ‘Aunty Pam’ especially for this). I also want to draw attention to the people who enabled the play to be brought to life. While some aspects of the play I did not fall in love with. The lighting, music and set design made me really believe what was happening. It was artistic, intentional and at times also experimental.
It was incredible how they were able to transform the stage from something as cosy as the Lovelett household to something as brutal and detached as Johnny’s home; as we discovered his sinister habit of abuse. These changes seemed to work amazingly to evoke emotion from the audience and compliment the actors’ performance. This also helped make the ending of the play even more gut-wrenching, Jim and Anne’s final performance was incredible. It was genuinely so intimate and homely, that by Jim’s death tears were flowing in the audience.
While I enjoyed the play, if there was anything I could change it would be some of the loose ends found in it. Despite the play being 3 hours long, I found it ultimately frustrating how Johnny is never confronted about the abuse he made his wife endure. We also never really see how the rest of the family deals with the grief, I think this could have been powerful.
Despite this the point of the play was conveyed quite well; and set, costume and makeup design made sure it was done beautifully. Overall I also want to applaud the actors as a whole, since as a collective there was a great synergy that allowed for such a natural performance.
