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Waiting for Sandy: Milked @WhiteBearTheatre

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Two lads looking for meaning and lots of time on their hands are at the heart of Milked. Simon Longman's play first premiered in 2013. While it may not capture the latest malaises and anxieties affecting post-pandemic youth, it has enough of a familiar ring to it for anyone who has eavesdropped on the thoughts and musings of young people when out and about. And with some lively performances by the two young men, you feel drawn into their bizarre little world as the conversation runs from the routine to the ridiculous. It's currently having a short run at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington.  The premise is that Paul (Iwan Bond) is searching for a job that becomes increasingly desperate. He wants to find a job in media (whatever that is) but has neither the skills nor the experience to do it. And being based in Herefordshire rather than London makes it a stretch to be considered for anything. His mate, Snowy (Evan L. Barker), seems to be on a journey of self-discovery. His fat...

Brief recollections: Throwback @jacksons_lane @SilverLiningCo_


You leave Throwback by circus troupe Silver Lining thinking, hmm they're a frisky lot. Some circus acts want to show sexy. Others want to show brawn. These young men and women seem to just want to play... And show off a little...

But that's ok. They do incredible acrobatic work - hanging, flying, spinning while also managing to sing, act and tell stories. 


Arriving at the theatre, there is a piece of paper on every seat for the audience to fill out, naming a good party song. Then Tom and the gang will sing a few of them. 

The piece borrows from #throwbackthursday. That weekly hastage where people get nostalgic about something for a brief moment. Here the focus is on memories of childhood. Sammy Dineen recalls how his mother got him piano lessons as a child. Which leads to a recital of nursery rhymes. While standing on one hand...


Ulrike Storch's songs from growing up leads to some evocative foot juggling. 

Another by Kalyn 'LJ' Marles about watching Michael Jackson perform growing up leads to a dance performance on straps.

It's a well-timed piece that doesn't let up with its enthusiasm, warmth, fuzziness and playfulness for life... 

It's concluded its brief run at Jackson's Lane but hopefully we get to see these incredibly talented (and frisky) guys and girls around more this year. 

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎


Photo credit: Production photos by David P Scott and Mark Robson

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