[review]
Scissor Sisters, starring Amy Connery and Jackie Pullford, tells the true story of two sisters in Ireland that commit a murder, ending up in prison, and how their lives subsequently change. It is an exciting piece of new theatre at Riverside Studios, performed as part of their Bitesize Festival.
This is a true crime lover’s perfect show. It is excellently written by Connery, gripping and engaging throughout to the extent that you don’t realise time is passing. Throughout the 55 minute production the story is slowly revealed, yet it never feels slow. The script is well paced and utilises moments of silence effectively, building tension but also knowing how to break it with dark humour.
Both Connery (playing Kayleigh) and Pullford (playing Lyn) are great performers, creating an intimate, comedic, or at times hostile atmosphere with the use of just two chairs and a table. They excellently portray heightened emotions with their dialogue and body language as the conversation between the sisters (one of whom is still in prison whilst the other is out) begins to turn to events of their past. Their anger is clear but they also demonstrate the sisterly history they have.
The lighting at the beginning brilliantly sets the scene, with quick flashes making it clear that both sisters are having mugshots taken, dressed in their grey tracksuits: we are placed immediately in a prison setting. The minimal set ensures the audience’s focus and attention remains on the performance, whilst the costumes perfectly adjust their circumstances, with Kayleigh remaining imprisoned and in a grey tracksuit and Lyn, who is now out, in her own clothing.
This is an intense play, with the script often discussing quite graphically the events that led to the two being in prison, but is an interesting watch for both true crime lovers and those that do not usually choose the genre. It is fascinating both as a theatrical adaptation of this true story and also as an exploration of how prison impacts people; how the justice system interacts with women; how family dynamics are affected by prison; and how these two sisters re-establish their relationship during and after incarceration.
The show works fantastically at this lovely, modern venue and Connery and Pullford, along with Director Stephanie Allison, have created an engaging production and an excellent script.
Scissor Sisters is a brilliant piece of new writing, showcasing a pair of excellent actors in a gripping true crime tale. If you want to see more new writing Riverside’s Bitesize Festival serves to support new plays, and the Bitesize Festival pass for £60 allows audiences to receive two tickets to all shows in the programme.
Written by Amy Connery
Directed by Stephanie Allison
Scissors Sisters was part of The Bitesize Festival runs at Riverside Studios, the festival runs until Sunday 28 July. Further details can be found here.
