Guest Review: The Nothing Show

I'd actually forgotten how delightfully funny this show was! Stewart first came to the theatre in May 2008 and I remember how much we all enjoyed his quirky little character. It was great to hear so much laughter as our intimate audience shared in his morning routine, with everything going smoothly the first time round, before a faulty alarm clock turns everything on it's head.

The real delight was in the details. As there was no set, props or soundtrack, Stewart mimed everything, adding sound effects where appropriate, to create a multiple room, two story house! My favourite bit was when he made it in to the kitchen and was listening to Radio 4 whilst making his tea. Stewart just repeated 'Radio 4, Radio 4' in low, soft tones so it sounded just like a Radio 4 DJ. We all laughed all the way through, until some shocked giggles started the final applause as Stewart left the house... with no clothes on! (Again, don't worry, this was all mimed!) A cheeky and innocent ending for a cheeky and innocent character.

Stewart worked with a group of our students in a physical theatre workshop before the show. The resulting piece opened the night with a great response from the audience...

Vicky Edgerton, Year 10, writes... "The Nothing Show can be summed up in one word, amazing. No verbal conversation, no props, and no sets yet still brilliant. The overall show was very entertaining, with no chance to be bored or without a grin on your face. Just as you think things are going to calm down something happens to shock you and make you laugh all over again.

The show was split into two parts. There was the student part and Stewart Wright’s part. The student part was easy to follow and always different, coming up with new scenarios to make school life interesting. That was certainly entertaining as they all linked in to what was happening and the way it was all done so casually was fantastic! Stewart Wright was a wonder to watch, with the repetitive waking up routine. Though you knew what was happening and had seen it before, there were small new things that happened, always holding your attention. It was absolute genius. I cannot find fault with this performance as I really enjoyed it, as did my sisters. Never before have I seen that kind of show and I didn’t know what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised and would recommend if the chance ever arose, take it and see this show"