Hold On, Let Gone...
As the Hold On Let Go tour comes to a close, Unfolding Theatre’s Artistic Director Annie Rigby reflects on the show and its legacy for the company:
“Our amazing creative team.
Alex Elliott and Luca Rutherford who have performed the show so beautifully and welcomed audiences in such a lush way.
Writer Luca Rutherford and dramaturg Selina Thompson who found the words to open up big ideas by asking small questions.
Paul Smith and Mariam Rezaei who created brilliant songs and sound design that I will miss listening too (let’s make plans to release the electro-banger???!)
Simon Henderson and Nick Rogerson who designed such a fantastic set and lighting. Fairy lights in kitchen cupboards 4eva. And tables that become ladders. Swoon!
Caroline Ryan who performed BSL interpretation with us in Edinburgh, Newcastle and London and EJ Raymond who helped welcome our deaf audiences in the North East.
Liv Lorent who brought choreography magic to our journey from dancing in the kitchen to space travel to the edge of a black hole.
Alex for baking all that sourdough bread. Not a knuckle-duster in sight!
Our FIVE stage managers. The number of stage managers who worked on Hold On Let Go between 2019 and 2023 tells the story of theatre tours disrupted by the pandemic. Raising a glass to Tor Copeland, Danni Harris (who we only ever met via Zoom), Aly Howe, Adam Robertson and Craig Davidson.
The venue technicians and front of house teams we’ve met during what has been the most challenging time for touring we’ve known. Big respect for everyone finding ways to make theatre happen and welcome audiences over the last few years.
Last but not least, our audiences! We have had SUCH beautiful conversations with people after the show. The mother and daughter thinking about the family stories they are passing down. The Spanish audience members with so much to say about the Pacto Del Olvido and the gaps in Spain’s memories. The home bakers swapping tips with Alex. The music fans loving Paul’s songs. The friends made”.
