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  • Tom Marshman presents

    A Shining Intimacy

    Thu 18 May - Sat 20 May, 7.15 pm
    Tickets £8 - £12
    ARCHIVE
    A show about theatre, queer friendships, and grief, through the story of two of Britain’s best loved stage animals, Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams. 'A gentle and thought provoking show about how we connect with each other.' ★★★★ - Backstage Bristol

    This show examines the fundamental guts of two of Britain’s best loved stage animals, Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams, both on a journey together to master their craft. The show explores the actor’s craft and how the pair went about ‘colouring in the words’.

    Playing with the juxtaposition of the ‘performer’ in public and private, the narrative not only includes Kenneth’s and Maggie’s success, but a sensitive portrayal of issues such as depression, OCD, and the loneliness of Kenneth’s one bedroom flat. Through the use of projections, Tom examines their characters as apparitions within the theatre, and considers his own relationship with the late artist Clare Thornton. Their shining intimacy belongs to a particular moment in history, allowing narrator Tom to reflect on this close friendship of his own, now lost. 

    Television and radio interviews, newspaper articles, diaries, and memoirs, have created the backbone for this new work by Tom Marshman.

     #ShiningIntimacy

    Supported by Arts Council England, Strike a Light, Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Pride

    Content Notice
    Running Time 55 min
    Wheelchair Accessible
    Wheelchair Accessible
    Assistance dogs welcome
    Assistance dogs welcome
    Content Notice
    Content NoticeContains references to depression, grief and suicide. Suitable for 16+
    Health Notice
    Health Notice Food/Drinks consumed by performers
    "A gentle and thought provoking show about how we connect with each other."
    Backstage Bristol
    "What is mesmerising is the connection that’s happening between these grey-scale characters and the audience – very warm, human and authentic despite none of it being quite real. A show worth seeing more than once."
    Bath Fringe Hub
    "It’s the most moving thing I have seen for ages"
    Pem Tshering, The Chelsea Theatre
    "There is much more to Shining Intimacy than a theatre show about the friendship between Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams. Tom Marshman weaves an absorbing homage to a close friend into his embodiment of the two luminaries of stage and screen. An absolute"
    Audience Feedback
    "It is pure, genuine, and possibly groundbreaking exploration."
    Audience Feedback

    "It is precisely these types of projects, involving these types of people, in these types of theatres that make London what it is."

    The Lancet