Writer: Stewart Pringle
Director: Matthew Parker
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Warm, Heartfelt & Endearing“
4.5 / 5
Harry has been chairing the improvement committee at his local village hall for 10 years – proud to be behind some of the little developments that have made his small Yorkshire community thrive. Denise is new to the area, also renting the village hall each week to introduce her lively Zumba class to the locals.
The pair on the surface, are very different – Denise is bubbly, carefree and young at heart, while Harry is neat, gentle and measured. Their paths cross each week as the space transforms from the stuffy committee meeting to a buzzing dance fitness class and over time, they begin to grow fond of each other, sparking up an endearing friendship as they slowly learn more about each other.
Stewart Pringle’s ‘Trestle’ finds beauty in the mundane – taking a relatively ordinary pair, in what should be quite a dull situation to observe, but instead transpires as a delightfully charming show, filled with warmth and heart. A lot of this is due to the fabulous performances from Timothy Harker (Harry) and Jilly Bond (Denise), wholeheartedly bringing their characters to life with their wonderfully naturalistic and genuine approaches. They have superb chemistry, and pace their dry humour and occasionally quippy interactions well, slowly revealing more about their lives and personalities as each interaction is shown. Pringle’s well-written character development and engaging dialogue allows you to truly invest in the duo – curious as to how their next meeting will pan out, each one slightly differing from the last.
Director Matthew Parker’s strong direction allows the pair to move fluidly around the space, with each differing week signified by the constant dismantling and rebuilding of the trestle table in the centre of the room. While, the frequent on/off stage could start to tire in many shows – Parker allows the interest and energy to remain high by still keeping the characters visible, alongside the marvellously considered soundscape (Andy Graham) that fantastically juxtaposes against the script, while also tying in cleverly to the characters. The first act features loud, energetic zumba music – keeping the energy high and the fresh, youthful energy of Denise at the forefront. The second act takes a slower approach, with classical music in the background – complimenting Harry, and the pair’s settled friendship that has built gradually over time.
The end of the first act closes with an excellent Zumba routine from Bond and Harker, while the second act finishes with a touchingly sweet, yet subtle final scene. It’s hard not to leave the theatre beaming both times, and impossible not to completely adore the writing and the performers in this remarkably heart-warming show.
Runs until 18th March 2025
RatedReviewed 
Leave a comment