Nel
This show was created in 2015 with support from Arts Council England and the Bike Shed Theatre, touring the UK from 2015 to 2017.
Meet Nel: a foley artist. Don’t know what that is? She makes sound for films. In her world a tyre-screech is a hot water-bottle and an epic fight scene is composed of frozen cabbages and snapping rhubarb. But for the first time in her life, she finds herself completely alone. Her cat’s died and she accidentally poisoned her fish. She needs a friend. But she is afraid. In a world of continuous self-comparison she feels inadequate and finding a friend in today’s world is more than a little stressful. Especially for someone who spends her day recording sounds with vegetables in a box. She needs help.
‘Nel’ is an intriguing combination of on-stage foley artistry, physical theatre and imaginative storytelling. This show delights audiences with a cleverly crafted mix of live music and movement, while examining issues surrounding identity, friendship and what it means to be an introvert.
Cast
Nel - Sian Keen
Bea - Laura Doble
Aunt Flora - Hanora Kamen
Verity - Alice Higginson-Clarke
Music created by Hanora Kamen
Produced by Charlie Tapp
This show was created with support from Arts Council England and the Bike Shed Theatre.
‘Nel’ toured to venues including Battersea Arts Centre, The Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh, VAULT Festival, The New Wolsey Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, New Diorama, Barbican Theatre Plymouth, Wardrobe Theatre and many more.
Reviews
“Nel will knock your socks off.”
★★★★★ Inter:Mission Bristol
“Charming and inventive.”
★★★★ The Stage Full review here
“They are a talented and disciplined group moving seamlessly from music to acting to mime, but what the show demonstrates above all is their fantastic imagination.”
★★★★★ StageTalk Magazine Full review here
“The play is a love song to imagination”
Plymouth Herald Full review here
“This beautifully executed show is quirky, original and bursting with genuine creative talent”
★★★★ Theatre Bath Full review here
“Joyous, sad and surreal. Nel is for anyone who has ever found it hard to make a friend.”
★★★★ The Public Reviews Full review here
“Masterly onstage foley art, songs, music and movement coming together in the hands of such a skilful team makes this charming show more than the sum of its parts.”
The British Theatre Guide Full review here
“The versatility of the performers is both wonderful to watch as they flit from character to character, as well as impressive. The on-stage Foley artistry is a perfect match for a company that love to use theatrical tricks, from puppetry to their quirky and brilliant physicality.”
Exeter Express and Echo Full review here
Twitter responses:
“Thank you so much to @ScratchworksC for making me love theatre again. Please go and see their show Nel”
“Nel: Cavalcade of loveliness. Super inventive, uplifting, and friendly to introverts. Much audience happiness supplied by @ScratchworksC“
“An incredible & inventive show by the super talented @ScratchworksC Amazing work guys!”
“#Nel was totally as engaging as expected, a crafty piece with such energy and skill – very talented company!”
“Loved ‘Nel’! Creative, comedic & touching. Highly recommend! Thank You.”