Writer and Performer LUKE HEREFORD has waited a long time to bring his autobiographical play about queer identities, and how he learned to love his, with the help of his grandmother and her colourful wardrobe.
GRANDMOTHER’S CLOSET (AND WHAT I FOUND THERE…) is a personal piece, which can sometimes be difficult to watch on stage, especially when the performer is right at the heart of the story. In this case however, Luke made us feel like we were all part of his family. The atmosphere prior to his performance was warm and welcoming, and by the time the lights dimmed, we were ready to go on this musical journey though his early life.
I want to talk about the venue first, which is such an integral part of the show. The Weston Studio at the Wales Millennium Centre is a great space as it is, but dressed in a cabaret style, with every guest having a seat around a small, intimate table, helped engender the perfect environment for Luke’s talent.
This musical romp down the Yellow Brick Road is full of mischief and mashups, dresses and divas, and a whole lot of heart. Featuring modern arrangements of pop classics from female icons including Madonna, Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Judy Garland and Björk, this hour long show is often joyous and celebratory. But like any journey through life, we can often be thrown off course by unexpected events, and without giving too much away, it’s one of those moments which defines this story.
On stage Luke is charismatic and playful, and occasionally naughty, but it is a show that your Grandmother would love, as much as he clearly loves his. First-time director (and long-time actor) François Pandolfo, has helped create a space which allows Luke to perform and share his life with absolute ease.
This is his one-person show, he does however have his Musical Director, DAVID GEORGE HARRINGTON on stage with him, and although David is the silent partner, he is nevertheless crucial to the show, and we do mean more than playing the piano.
You can probably tell I’m trying not to give too much away, and f you’re planning to see the show (although tickets are pretty hard to come by), it’s best to know little to help you enjoy much, both the good and uncomfortable elements.
So, what did the audience think of the show, and more importantly, how did they feel sharing so much of Luke’s most intimate experiences?
As you’ll see in our film, they loved it. Some had come along not knowing anything, other than the big poster they’d seen at the entrance of the Wales Millennium Centre. Others had an inkling as to what was in store, either knowing Luke personally or professionally.
We also spoke to Bellydancer RAHIM EL HABACHI who was performing in the Weston Studio in the COVID shortened festive production XXXMAS CAROL last year.
The opening song in the video is from an early run through and not the show performance……..
So, once again, and without giving anything away, Grandmother’s Closet is a beautiful and highly personal piece. There are elements that we will all relate to, whether that be the times we’ve each searched for our own acceptance, or perhaps looking back with fondness at the people who shaped our early years.
It’s a show filled with laughter and heart, but be prepared to draw breath at the unexpected change of pace, something which Luke handles with great skill.
But this is a musical too, and the songs Luke performs, with great enthusiasm, are clearly important to him, and great musical memories for all of us.
Grab yourself a ticket (if you can) and enjoy the whole GRANDMOTHER’S CLOSET (AND WHAT I FOUND THERE…) experience, you will have a fantastic evening.
This brand new production will be performed until this Saturday 23rd April at the Centre’s Weston Studio. There will be two, dementia-friendly matinee performances on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd April. For more details, and to get tickets, go HERE.
And you can look back at our feature, and interview with Luke – HERE.
