Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about A Song For Ella Grey which was performed at the Northern Stage theatre in Newcastle on the 7th of February.
Disclaimer: We were invited to the show, and gifted 2 press tickets, in exchange for a honest review.
This adaptation, penned by the talented Zoe Cooper, breathed a whole load of energy into David Almond’s fantastic novel, enveloping the audience in a rich environment of sound, emotion, visuals, and poetry.
One of the standout features of the production was its use of soundscapes and musicality. Guided by the composition of Emily Levy, the audience experienced a range of singing, music and musicality through the use of voice during dialogue. The choice of song, and a folky score, really set the mood for the piece. Through the sound design of Adam P McCready, the audience was effortlessly transported from the mundane to the mystical. From the gentle crashing of waves on a beach, to the haunting echoes of spirits in the underworld, the soundscapes added depth and immersion to every scene, enhancing the storytelling experience and making the piece well rounded. The musicality of the piece added yet another artistic layer to this incredible storytelling experience, where composer and Sound designer worked really well together to create a truly immersive environment.
Verity Quinn’s set design provided a stunning backdrop for the drama. Simple yet dynamic, Quinn’s creation supported the narrative, offering just the right amount of spectacle to engage the audience without overshadowing the storytelling and emotional plot.
At the heart of the production were the impressive performances delivered by the cast. Beth Crame’s portrayal of a range of characters was nothing short of amazing. With heaps of energy, emotion and authenticity, Crame delivered an amazing performance whilst navigating the complexities of grief and joy.
Equally impressive was Amonik Melaco’s performance, injecting life into an array of characters. Each portrayal felt fresh and authentic, drawing the audience deeper into the intricate web of the story. Really well done performance.
What truly set this production apart was the effort put in by the cast and the writing of the script. From moments of true sadness to bursts of laughter, the cast navigated the emotional highs and lows well and with authenticity. They forged a powerful connection with the audience, and took us on a journey we wouldn’t be able to forget.
A Song For Ella Grey at Northern Stage Theatre was a magical, dark, serious and fantastical journey through love, loss, and the power of the human spirit. With its impressive performances, innovative design, and powerful storytelling, this production was simply magical.
Now onto the ratings!
This show provided buckets of entertainment. Each moment was full of spectacle, story telling and buckets of energy. The character work was really impressive and the cast worked well together to piece the puzzle and tell us the story of Ella Grey. A really well done production, and cleverly peformed. The production also offered value for money, with tickets starting at £12, you get alot for your money. Music, poetry, visuals, story telling and a really creative production.
There are moments that are not very accesible, with loud long sounds, immersive sound scapes and lighting in the audience, but it was not too much for me.
The show gets a very well deserved four out of five stars.
Have your say!
Have you seen A Song For Ella Grey? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show. We need to remember that these are people with feelings. Let’s treat them with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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Featured images have been referenced and are used in line with fair usage, in the copyright act.
Alyx Taylor-Scott