U-Review (in collaboration with The Stage)

Entering the space for If Walls Could Talk was like walking into someone’s living room, complete with homely furnishings and two “Guess Who?” sets on the rug. A snug setting for the storytelling session that was about to begin.

Our five yarn spinners each told, with great linguistic dexterity, two anecdotes from their own pasts, some trivial, others deeply personal, but all heartfelt. There was plenty to relate to – sibling rivalry, favourite teddies and revolting Christmas presents – yet each tale had its own uniqueness. Both ends of the emotional spectrum were touched; the idea of Will Barwick’s playground re-enactment of the film The Full Monty triggered a hearty chuckle, whereas Alison Ford was met with reverent silence as she bravely told us about her grandfather’s battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The individuals’ stories were garnished with illustrative activity from the group which enhanced the theatricality, although this sometimes felt a little forced. What did provide an interesting visual dimension was the way objects present onstage had their significance gradually revealed. The musical accompaniments were competent rather than virtuosic, but this seemed appropriate to the relaxed context.

Tip of the Tongue’s enthusiasm for shared human experience is admirable; they open up their show to anyone with a tale to tell, with one guest storyteller per performance. They were friendly and approachable both before and after the piece, which felt more like a family gathering than a performer and audience scenario.

Not exactly a tour de force, but certainly a very pleasant hour.

Steve Graney