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
Tobi King Bakare and this theatre deserve a shout-out for such a young, diverse audience. There is so much talk about audiences being full of over 60s and why, why can’t theatres get the crowds in to reflect society in general? Well, I’m happy to say that on a rainy Thursday evening, the theatre was completely full.
Caiti Grove on Before I Go in CPT's Spring 2023 season London Theatre Reviews
