A woman enters a living room – she is clearly tidying up her late mother’s things when she encounters messages on the answering machine which tell a story of their own. The audience is involved in reading those messages live in the moment. There were eager participants keen to be involved, and this live interaction brings the messages directly into the here and now. With text messages flowing back and forth between the woman and her daughter, we see how the answering machine messages change the text interactions and their meaning.
This is a gentle, deceptively simple glimpse into a reminder that life is short and, while we may all be busy living our own lives, if we forget to acknowledge each other and our loved ones while we can, thinking that there will always be time, we may end up missing vital moments and connections.
A lovely touch is the messages which play at the end of the show: these are recordings from previous audience members who are leaving messages to lost loved ones. It is a poignant but effective way to end the show, and all audience members can add to the recordings if they wish. Even if that is not for you, it may encourage you to send a message to a loved one that you have been putting off… now may be the most important time you have left.
Show Time: 4-6 Aug @ 09:25
Running time: 25 mins
Ticket Prices: £4-£6
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/21-new-messages
Warnings: Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.
Accessibility and Enhanced Performances: Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets (may not apply to all performances.) Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 18 months. Age suitability: 12+ (Guideline)