Amy Engelhardt on Her Show IMPACT at the Voila Theatre Festival
Amy Engelhardt, writer and performer of IMPACT, takes us on a deeply personal yet universally relatable journey of connection and kindness. As part of London’s Voila Theatre Festival, IMPACT will run at Barons Court Theatre from 15th to 17th November. Blending intimate storytelling, music, and projections, the show promises to inspire, move, and remind audiences of the power of human connection in an increasingly complex world.
Lovely to meet you, so shall we do some introductions?
Cheers! I’m Amy Engelhardt, the writer and performer of IMPACT, which is part of London’s fabulous Voila Festival. IMPACT will play at Barons Court Theatre, 15th-17th November at 5:30pm.
What can audiences expect from IMPACT?
A remarkable chain of uncanny “follow-signs” leads a jaded, smartass writer (spoiler alert: me) to Scotland. Her bucket-list trip to honor lost friends evolves into a personal and global exploration of kindness. IMPACT unfolds through intimate storytelling, original music (voice, piano, cello and percussion) and beautiful projections. It’s inspiring, funny, moving and completely unique. IMPACT is an American love letter to Lockerbie, Scotland.
What inspired you to create IMPACT?
I knew 5 of the 35 Syracuse University students aboard PanAm Flight 103, obliterated in the largest international terrorist incident the US or UK had experienced back in 1988. When I told friends the story of my life-changing trip to Lockerbie and the 30+ “follow-signs” or thin moments I experienced before, during and after it, they laughed, they cried, their jaws dropped. It was clear that the combination of global and the personal were very moving, and more relatable than I realized. Because today, almost everyone knows or IS someone connected to a tragic event – 9/11, Covid, Ukraine, Gaza, school shootings in the US. IMPACT asks what we can all do for each other in an increasingly challenging world.
Has IMPACT changed much from your original vision, or is the Voila Festival version close to what you first envisioned?
It’s been compacted, strengthened, edited and focused since my original draft in 2020. IMPACT at Barons Court will be the version that I brought to Edinburgh in 2023 and have taken to festivals around the US. Originally the show was about 80 minutes long, but it had to be shortened to go to EdFringe!
What do you hope the audience will take away from watching IMPACT?
That we are all connected. Not just by grief, but by kindness. It’s the hope you can ultimately hold onto, and it’s what we need. And when we go to the theatre, we form an instant community as an audience – what a brilliant start.
Who do you think will enjoy IMPACT the most?
Audiences who love a compelling, inspiring story with a healthy dose of humor and humanity. And did I mention the singing, Satanic nuns? Good Omens (the Terry Pratchett/Neil Gaiman book that became a miniseries) plays a big part in the narrative. It’s a fact!
Do you have any plans for IMPACT after the Voila Theatre Festival?
I hope to do a sit-down run in the UK and/or tour the show (as it’s very compact).
Is there a question we haven’t asked that you wish we had?
Is IMPACT a grief parade? No! There is grief, and oddly enough there is a parade… but ultimately, IMPACT leaves you thinking about the power of connection and kindness. And we could all use a strong dose of that these days, dontcha think?
Will you be heading to the bar after the show, and are you hoping people will stay to discuss IMPACT with you?
God, yes – it’s my deepest honour to meet audiences after the show, most of whom want to share their stories of loss, connection, hope and beauty. Also, I enjoy cheese and hard cider. And I always give free hugs to anyone who wants one after IMPACT. Really.
If you had to describe IMPACT as a colour?
A gradient of greens. Because out of the darker ones, hope grows.
If your show had a soundtrack, what songs would you include?
My show does have a soundtrack, and all of the music from the show is on it! You can hear it here.
If you could perform IMPACT anywhere in the world?
All over the UK. If I can move or shift something deep inside someone towards a positive perspective, give them solace by connecting, show them the global ripple effects of events and the importance of compassionate response, I’ve done my job as a writer and performer.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on IMPACT?
There are no coincidences, only connections. IMPACT is an anomaly in my work, which almost always leans towards the smart-funny. I’m a cynical person by nature (it’s the New Jersey in me), and if I’d let my logical doubts override my feelings at any step along the way, I’d have missed out on the uplifting experience of connecting with audiences in this specific way.
Many thanks to Amy for chatting with us, it’s definitely been IMPACTful!
IMPACT will being playing at Baron Court Theatre as part of the Voila Theatre Festival between the 15th and 17th November. Further information and tickets are available here.