Original theatre performance of “GOLDFISH“, a fable set during the Klondike Gold Rush, Alaska 1898. The story follows real-life conman Soapy Smith, and his descent into madness following the discovery of a talking fish. Reflecting modern themes of fake news, mass hysteria, and gender identity, GOLDFISH pushes powerful visual styles, with contemporary derived movement, and sound design. A surreal and moving account of broken families, and hardships experienced following the American Civil War.
Review by Will Prys-Jones.
GOLDFISH is a theatrical play with music set in the Alaskan winter of 1899 at the end of the Klondike Gold Rush, isn’t it ironic that Donald Trump’s grandfather was a hotel owner in the Klondike? It is the theatrical equivalent to Twin Peaks meets Oh Brother Where Art Thou. The story introduces us to Soapy Simith who is a grifter and a manipulative who is down on his luck and raising his frail, ill son William. Soapy believes that the fish can save William. Jefferson “Soapy” Smith communes with the small fish as it flits animatedly about the tank in which it has been incarcerated. He believes it speaks to him. Then comes a zoologist, Kathleen, to dissect the truth, she brings with her a ghost from Soapy’s past that threatens to shatter his carefully constructed world. Goldfish is a deeply moving and visually striking. Goldfish certainly offers something a little different from a traditional night at the theatre. It takes creative risks, gives its audience plenty to think about and demonstrates how powerful storytelling can be when it embraces imagination. The end was a mix of nonsense with the shimmering talking salmon becoming the most believable element of the story that is centred around the idea of a magical talking fish.
Directed by filmmaker Guy Mc Nair- Wilson and produced by Yawning Dog Productions Ltd, the staging was minimal and set and design was glorious and cleverly used. The lighting by Rachel Fox and music by Simon Slater (Ivor Novello nominated) was also used to great effect, movement provided by Lauren Scott helped us to question what we are seeing and create and sustain the world of the play. There is a barrelful of creatives credited in the programme and I predict it will have a very bright future.
Cast
Ben Keenan – Jefferson “Soapy” Smith
Ingrid Werner – Dr Kathleen Mole
Sam Newman – Tappan Adney
Gus Flind-Henry – Carter
Alastair Braidwood
Anthony Evans-Pughe
Dougie South
Teddy Russell
Creative Team
Nina Beck – Writer
Guy McNair-Wilson – Director
Lauren Scott – Movement Director
Rachel Fox – Lighting & Creative Designer
Simon Slater – Composer
Yawning Dog Productions – Producer
Tickets: Click here