There’s a Light and a Whistle to Attract Attention

Review by Catherine Larner from More About Books

It wasn’t obvious what to expect from this production through the publicity material: an image of a woman in a life jacket standing in the sea, a reference to the 80s musical ‘Grease’ and the barest outline that this was a story of ‘girls and women and men and Love’? There were no details of the cast members either.

Yet ‘There’s a Light and a Whistle to Attract Attention’ turned out to be one of the most creative, entertaining and poignant one woman shows I’ve seen.

It was being staged by Eastern Angles in Ipswich as part of their Play, Pizza, Pint promotions. Here audiences are encouraged to see new plays with food and drink included in the price of a ticket. It’s a great idea and meant a capacity audience was treated to this extraordinary performance.

Written and performed by Henri Merriam, director of the Play Nicely Theatre Company, ‘There’s a Light and a Whistle to Attract Attention’ tells the story of a woman who has believed the age-old story of love and relationships all her life. She recalls the myths and legends, the films, songs and plays which have driven her expectations of romance and marriage, only to find their message to be a lie. Her lived experience is gradually revealed as being one of gaslighting, control and betrayal.

A bleak subject - which is sadly not unfamiliar - this was nevertheless an uplifting, energising and powerful production, determined by the simplicity and inventiveness of the staging, and the talent and conviction of the performer.

Henri Merriam was mesmerising in her energy, conviction and warmth, conveying not only a knowing wit and humour, but also a raw vulnerability.

Simply dressed, barefoot with no make-up, she spoke, and occasionally sang, for the full 80 minutes, faultlessly. Her voice was punctuated by a tiny cast of supporting characters which she also presented, and the brief, flat interruptions of the male voice delivered through the sound system.

The set was just one, nondescript, orange pine, chest of drawers. Props were hidden inside and presented with a magician’s flourish, or the drawers were removed to form steps, a lecturn, even another character. With each manoeuvre, Henri’s timing was immaculate.

This was a fresh, vital and stimulating take on a challenging subject. It was full of energy and colour, humour and wit while also being thought-provoking and moving. Brilliant!

Visiting a number of venues throughout East Anglia in June and July, this production is also making forays into other locations throughout Britain.

There’s a Light and a Whistle to Attract Attention is also at The Quay Theatre Sudbury on 6 June.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE