An ageing woman resists her daughter’s mission to get her mother to declutter her house against a past that continues to haunt her. Performer Penny Rickman discusses her new fringe show ‘STUFF’ (and talk about other stuff as well) with Fringe Review’s Dr.Pants. You can catch the show during Colchester Fringe October 25/29.
NAP: Hello Penny! Pleasure to speak to you today. Let’s talk about STUFF. What is it about?
PR: It’s basically a mother and daughter in conflict about how the mother lives her life. Nicky likes to surround herself with things. Her daughter cannot understand this and is frightened she will be left to clear everything after her mother’s death. Her mother has her own fears about losing everything and ending up in a home. Running alongside, there is a poignant backstory which explains her obsession.
NAP: So the title is literal. It is about dealing with stuff. Where did the inspiration of the play come from? Any stuff in your life in particular?
PR: I had my friend Sally Theobald’s song, ‘Stuff’, in my head and started to get the idea for the play from this song. That very song is featured during the play. Also, I harbour a lot of clutter and always have schemes to reduce the amount.
NAP: There’s a lot of stuff dealt with in your show. You advertise the show as a comedy but I get the sense there’s more to it than that?
PR: Unlike many of the comedy shows which predominantly seek to entertain, it’s funny but also poignant. It also highlights an issue frequently in the media. Many people clutter through consumerism but for others it can be because of more deep seated issues. The play addresses a serious issue in a light hearted way.
I discovered during the initial readings to friends that the script is likely to relate to many of the audience, either they may have similar traits, albeit less extreme, or maybe recognise similarities in friends or family.
However, you relate to the script it should resonate on some level. If not it’s entertaining and has great music! What’s not to like.
NAP: This is your first time bringing your writing to Colchester Fringe. Why did you decide to do so?
PR: I have been a regular attender at the fringe but only recently started to extend my writing to the stage. Following the success of a couple of short pieces performed over the summer I had also written a longer play with the fringe in mind. A couple of my friends have staged successful productions and encouraged me to enter my play.
NAP: Being a first timer into the fringe theatre world, what has been the biggest challenge in preparing/performing your work?
PR: It’s been a huge learning curve. Everything has been a challenge but also exciting. I found myself straight in as writer, director, stage manager. Also sourcing the props and painting scenery. Luckily. I have found two amazing actresses and a brilliant sound/lighting guy, to help me through. Rehearsals are going well and I’m really looking forward to seeing it in front of an audience.
NAP: And how are you expecting audience to react to the work? What are you hopeful audiences will leave your show feeling?
PR: The feelings will be mixed. Although the play is mainly quite playful it may trigger some issues that audience members have or are going through. Mostly, I hope they talk about it. So far, myself the actresses and friends who’ve read it have demonstrated that response.
‘STUFF‘ is on Sun 25 October 3:00 pm and Thu 29 October 7:00 pm during Colchester Fringe. While you’re here, read about our coverage of others shows at this year’s Colchester Fringe including about a one man King Arthur, Shakespeare’s least known play, or FringeReview’s resident interviewer Dr.Pant’s (a play in a) DARK ROOM.
