Review: A History of Paper (Pitlochry Festival Theatre)
I picked up my phone one morning in August and saw an Instagram advert for A History of Paper. The first thing that crossed my mind was - this theatre could not be farther away, closely followed by, hang on, that’s when I’m staying in Braemar as part of my holiday in Scotland.
By the time I arrived to review the show, all I knew was the title and cast members. I deliberately didn’t read anything else about it in advance and I highly recommend this approach if you are considering watching this production in future. (There are no spoilers in this review, if you do wish to keep reading.)
Written by Olly Emanuel and Gareth Williams, A History of Paper debuted on stage at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, where Alan Cumming first saw it. He then decided to include the show in his first season as Artistic Director at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
The set (Ana Inés Jabares-Pita) gives the impression of a rocky shore or cliff edge, uneven with areas on different levels that are all utilised during the performance. Within the set was a piano, which was in use throughout by Musical Director Gavin Whitworth, at times a focal point, at others a source of background music, but always integrated in one way or another.
First and foremost, A History of Paper is about a relationship between two people. He (Alan Cumming), meets his neighbour, She (Shirley Henderson), initially when she complains, on a postcard, about the noise from his flat. Throughout their story there are references to the use of paper, as they delve into a box of memories and bring them alive for the audience to experience. There are postcards and receipts, menus and tickets amongst many other things.
The chemistry between Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson is a delight. The characters’ relationship feels genuine with different takes on some situations and mild sparring between them but a constant sense that this is a forever relationship, with consistency and affection between He, holding fast, and She playful, and slightly sarcastic at times. Their discussions are underscored by the piano, which adds another level of emotion in just the right places, and in addition there are some beautiful songs.
The combination of the set and lighting design (Bruno Poet) is striking, initial subtle light changes give way to more contrasting lighting later on, and some integrated lighting in the set has a huge impact. One scene on a beach was particularly beautiful with, as always, paper having a part in each and every moment the couple retold.
Direction by Andrew Panton ensured the pacing is perfect and every part of the stage was utilised, engaging the audience wherever they were sitting. The production is 70 minutes long with no interval, and this feels like the optimum length for it.
The use of the word experience above above is deliberate; this is not a story you watch and feel like a bystander. It’s all-absorbing. There is humour, elements of which cause different audible reactions through the audience but there are also moments when you hear everyone in the room take a deep breath and hold it for slightly too long, knowing what is to come. It is these moments that make theatre memorable, and ensure a show will be remembered later, with impact.
I will forever be grateful that I picked my phone up that morning and spotted the advert for A History of Paper. It feels like a huge privilege to have seen this outstanding production.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A History of Paper is showing at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre until 12 September, then transferring to Dundee Rep from 16th-19th September. All scheduled performances are currently sold out.
I was gifted tickets for this show in exchange for an honest review. Grateful thanks to Duncan Clarke PR.
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