Sadie Clark fascinating look at Solo Theatre comes to the Corn Hall

Given the current restrictions, financial and practical, imposed on live theatre at the moment, it’s perhaps no surprise that there is a growing interest in solo projects. No social distancing required on stage, tour-friendly staging and none of the sibling rivalry that call well up with more collaborative efforts. It can, however, be a daunting endeavour, writing and producing a show all on your tod.

Sadie Clark presented the first of two tutorials on the subject under the livery of the Corn Hall, but unfortunately, due to covid restrictions, had to do so on line. Nonetheless, it was an engrossing insight into the thought processes that go into a show that is essentially one person talking to an audience, trying to hold their attention. Using a combination of writing exercises, anecdotal experience and straight-forward tips, Clark did sterling work in demystifying an art form that can be both intimidating and elusive. Particularly well handled was how the course morphed from general writing exercises – a solo play is, after all, still a play – to the more particular challenges of a single voice speaking from a singular perspective.

There’s a second course lined up, looking at the producing side of things, which I’m sure will prove just as engaging and informative. Beyond that, it would be great to see Clark’s solo show, Algorithms, come to the Corn Hall, followed up by a session that used it as a springboard for a more forensic analysis of the form. Lets hope, if that happens, we can all meet in person this time.