Joy Watters reviews 'a brilliant idea for a show' but one that needs more work.
Alice Mary Cooper’s one-woman show tells of a unique tribute to those who lost their lives in The Great War. Touring both sides of the border, The Box tells the true story of a time capsule created by postal workers in 1921 in Dundee. The workers instructed that the box be opened on the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
A timeous telling of the fascinating story of the casket crammed with letters, photos and documents, Cooper is clearly fascinated by the treasure trove. The box lay forgotten on a shelf in a sorting office until it was rediscovered in 2013. Following the postal workers wishes to the letter, it was officially opened the following year with due ceremony.
The box takes centre stage and Cooper tells of how she heard about it and her trips to Dundee to delve into its genesis. Then she dons white gloves to reveal the contents magician-like.
The weakness of the show is that the interest lies in the contents themselves but Cooper spends too much time giving the audience the back story, how she found her way round Dundee and her feelings.
The press cuttings, the letters, the photos are far more eloquent, creating a fascinating picture of the war years and the feelings and activities of Dundonians. One lovely report tells of a Bonnie Baby show, which surprises Cooper who has not heard of such an event.
It is a brilliant idea for a show but needs refining and for Cooper to take a step back and let the box do the talking.
Commissioned by Harlow Playhouse, Essex touring with Faultline Productions.
Can be seen at Nov 10 at Paisley Arts Centre.
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