‘Wake Up’ is a sensational display of physical theatre and storytelling at its best. This production is a display of three very unique and interesting physical theatre performances. These three outstanding plays emerged from Solar Bear’s ‘Make a Change’ programme which is a space for deaf artists to experiment and develop creative ideas. A truly fun accessible performance which can be enjoyed by all.
Produced by Solar Bear, ‘Wake Up’ is a triple bill of visual theatre by three trailblazing directors. In three short plays you’ll be transported to a world torn apart by conflict, to a future impacted by climate change, and to a small flat the morning after the night before.
‘Ties’ directed by Moira Anne McAusian and starring McAusian, Connor Bryson and Claire Wetherall was a beautiful display of storytelling. This heartwarming production cleverly used different ties to transport us into the world of a family caught up in world war two. From the offset the lighting and projection created a beautiful image which allowed us to see things from the character’s perspective immediately. The use of some sound could make it more clear that it is an attic in which the box is discovered as it’s not entirely clear, though this makes little difference to the impact of the performance. The character relationships between the actors on stage, especially Wetherall and Bryson, were well thought out and beautiful which in turn created a real emotional drive behind the movement winning over the audience’s full investment in their story. The use of repetition to build the characters’ relationship as well as a tool to pass time during the war was particularly effective. Overall a beautifully told story which explores humanity, love and loss in an excellent manner.
‘Blackout’ directed by Craig McCulloch and starring McCulloch and Connor Bryson was a hilariously intriguing piece of theatre. The comedic timing and exaggerated mime had the audience in stitches laughing. The use of a padded jacket as the body was an excellent choice, adding to the mystery of the reveal but also as a tool to impress the audience with the realism of the action on stage. Bryson’s facial expression and slapstick-like movement was excellent and added a wonderful balance to McCulloch’s character who had more of a serious tone, despite comical moments. McCulloch’s approach was that of realism which he portrayed wonderfully, displaying the anxieties his character confronts in a captivating way. This performance was extremely interesting, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as well as highlighting the absolute talent of these two actors.
‘Time To Wake Up’ directed and performed by Petre Dobre was an extraordinary display of commitment to craft. Using almost a visual vernacular technique Dobre created the most beautiful visions and imagining on stage. The time stamp though evolution as an attempt to highlight the climate crisis was creative and well crafted. Dobre sucks the audience in with hilarious green screened TV projections before taking them on a visual sensation through nature and time. This performance highlights the human impact on nature and the destruction our own actions cause before our very eyes. A powerful, visual sensation.
These three short plays are a wonderful concoction for a more than pleasurable evening. Each performance invokes a different emotion from the audience with each displaying wonderful versatility and particularly talented individuals. The accessibility of this performance adds to the already fantastic line up, bringing a performance for all to truly enjoy and appreciate together.
‘Wake Up’ is currently touring until the 14th of October. Check out Solar Bear’s website to book tickets here: https://solarbear.org.uk/productions/wake-up/
📸 Peter Dibdin
Theatre Scotland 
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