In their historic home county of Oxfordshire, Banbury-based Peppered Wit Productions kicked off their summer tour on 31st May/1st June with exclusive previews to local audiences of their latest production ‘The Wasp’ by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. These previews marked the beginning of their 2019 tour which includes Guildford Fringe Festival on 2 July and sees them return to the Edinburgh Fringe during the third week of August.
So what did Banbury audiences think of this ‘electric’ thriller? Amidst the gasps of shock and some realisation (!) it was deemed a “Fantastic production on every level” ; “outstanding performances”; “faultless, powerful, perfect”!
‘The Wasp’ is a two-handed, female-led drama which leaves the audience on the edge of their seats as the action twists and turns to an unexpected climax. Does ‘The Wasp’ have a sting in its tail? Director and co-founder of Peppered Wit Tara Lacey said: “The play is gripping! It shows two former school friends exploring the consequences of childhood bullying. Now at very different places in their lives, the two women tell a story which is at times darkly comedic, as the power shifts and veers towards a shocking conclusion”.
Self-funded Peppered Wit Productions, have toured fringe theatre around the country since 2012 and have produced 4 star (The Collector, Camden Fringe 2013 – “ excellent; effortlessly believable’) and 5 star shows(Blink, Camden Fringe 2016 & ‘Must See Show’, Brighton Fringe 2017- ‘the most affecting bittersweet piece of theatre seen at the Fringe for a while’ ). The company passionately believes theatre should be accessible to everyone; that the arts provide a window into life and experience which helps us all to process our deeply-held emotions, fears and beliefs. (To read more about their journey, log onto ‘Justgiving.com’ and search ‘Peppered Wit Productions’).
This slick, tight-knit company have shied away from their usual vibrant use of multimedia, opting for a more simplistic approach to staging this piece. The simple set is effortlessly converted to depict both indoor and outdoor locations with a clever use of props by the actors. The acts beautifully transition with an interesting mix of late 90s music and sound effects, which to those carefully listening, tell their own story – the gradual fracture of a tortured mind.
This innovative company are not to be missed!
LOCATION: The Back Room, Star Inn
DATE: 02/07/2019
TIME: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Book HERE or call 01483 361101
The Wasp by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm
By Guildford Fringe Festival