One of the (very few!) things I miss since moving from London to Southsea last year is its range of theatre. So I was excited to learn recently about ‘Moments’, a ground-breaking event taking place next month at Gunwharf’s Aspex Gallery.
Something for Everyone
For three nights at the end of June, ‘Moments’ promises to bring us a dynamic mix of work from Portsmouth-based writers. Over an hour and a half, the audience will be treated to not one but 12 short plays – six solo performances and six two-handers. Check out the Facebook Event here.
Local writers were invited to submit ideas for the event this spring, and the final selection of pieces has ensured a good mix of themes – from comedy to more serious subjects. With experienced local playwright Roger Goldsmith pulling the event together, it should be a great night. “I hope the selection I have made works. I think it will!” he says.
Roger has been a busy man this year. The event follows a sell-out run of his work at the Southsea Cinema and Arts Centre, a London premiere of his new play, and performances at the Bournemouth Writing Festival and the Chichester Fringe.
A night of many ‘firsts’
This will be the first public performance for several of the plays. And while a number of the writers and actors will be known to local audiences, others are new to the scene. “For example, Leyla Pank is 17 years old and has never performed in front of a live audience before. She should be commended for her courage, and she’s doing great!”, Roger says.
One of Roger’s own plays, ‘Talk’, will have its premiere at the event too. “It’s a play about the need to talk – to communicate – which I think is universal in its message. A short, ten-minute play, a conversation between a young man played by Thomas Davenport and a mother, Kia Wilson.” Judging by the standard of Roger’s other work I’ve seen, we should be in for a treat.
“This is also the first time such an event has been produced at the Aspex. It’s a risk. I hope it works, of course. But you never know!” says Roger. “I’m thankful to everyone who is involved and very grateful to Aspex for giving us for the opportunity to do it.”
For me, ‘Moments’ is a fantastic opportunity to support our home-grown writers and actors, and encourage new talent to flourish. It sounds like there really will be something for everyone and it’s great to see Aspex, Roger and performers like 17-year-old Leyla taking a risk to bring it to us!
Booking Info
‘Moments’ will run at Aspex Portsmouth in Gunwharf for three nights, Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 June at 7.30pm.
Tickets are priced at a very reasonable £8 (£5 for students and concessions) and are available now online here.
