An energetic (foot)…ball of queer joy, Pitch will take you through a journey of the importance of finding that sense of self and more importantly being integrated into a community which understands you. It comes as no surprise that this performance is a winner of the Pleasance Charlie Hartill Reserve Fund. This topical, stylised piece of work will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. From direct quotes straight from the most important queer voices in sports, to stylised movement, banging tunes and talks of football crushes Pitch really has it all, with an important message at its core of community and acceptance.
Elijah Harris as Bill approaches the character very naturalistically, his most striking moment being his monologue in which he describes his want for more for his community, his delivery of this speech was powerful. In regards to today’s hostile climate surrounding the trans community, Elijah delivers this from a place of hurt, from an honest place which really amplifies the frustration and the needs of the trans community. The request put plainly to be who they are freely without judgment or prejudice.
Elizabeth Hope as Aimee had a wonderful character journey, her strength lies in finding the pockets of vulnerability as if she is letting them slip, hoping that nobody notices. These moments come from her relationship with Clo (Meg Lewis) within the rough and tumble of the character there is an utter devout admiration. Her energy at times carries the weight of the pace of the performance, wherever a lull may set in, Elizabeth picks the energy straight back up with her stage presence and ability to hold the audience.
Meg Lewis as Clo uses her heightened facial expressions and physicality to bring a fun quirkiness to a football obsessed big quiz brained character, anxiety exudes out of the Clo, however, Meg’s physicality makes the character hilariously loveable. Her understanding of the text was clear and her comedic timing was nothing short of genius delivering some of the best material I have heard this Fringe during her hilarious comedic Gary Lineker spiel.
Ethan Pascal Peters as Squid held a real authority about him. He commanded the attention of not only the audience but the characters around him as he delivered the training/pre match pep talks. Peters had a gentle vulnerability which led to the supportive spirit of the piece and the message of solidarity in order to effect change. Eleanor Rattenbury played Kate, his sister, as a well balanced counterpart – the two had a fantastic connection, both exploring the fragility of their relationship and the roles they played in each other’s lives. The actors conquered similar mannerism which allowed the audience to believe the indication that they had been brought up with the same values.
Director Nell Bailey is one to watch, her stylised direction is one of the stand outs of this production. Her direction compliments the text perfectly. The use of chalk within the beginning and end of the production, though specifically the beginning excites the audience. Her direction of movement whether it is the football drills or the changing of conversation from flashbacks to modern day is nothing short of excellent.
November Theatre has produced a heartwarming community felt production, which directly challenges today’s war on the trans community as well as the conversation around sports and the queer community following on from the Qatar World Cup in 2022. This piece invites the audience to take charge and highlights that the only way to create change is to make a statement, make a sacrifice to challenge injustice. This performance is uplifting, full of community spirit and inspiring.
‘Pitch’ is running at Above at the Pleasance Courtyard August 10-15th, 17-22nd and 24-28th at 15:45. Grab your tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/pitch
Theatre Scotland 
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