one4review | On 23, Aug 2024

American performer Aurelia Gage takes you on a personal journey through time to discover her origins and her historic family backgrounds, with some dance, music and laughter on the way.

The show begins and Aurelia dressed like a music box Ballerina and looking a bit like Marilyn Monroe, dances to some thoughtful music before going back in time to begin her quest to discover her origins.
She starts in 1380 and discovers her 18x great grandfather Charles who just happens to be French royalty! To celebrate her discovery she breaks into a funny but well written song.
We then jump to the 16th century and it’s Salem, Massachusetts where her 10th great Aunt is accused of Witchcraft.
We move on to 18th century Ireland where potatoes become a hot topic especially when the 1845 famine is mentioned at a bizarre Irish theme park!
Moving closer to present day, she discovers her 2nd great Uncle from Glasgow who has some questionable marriage issues!
She then discovers her great great grandfather in Barnsley in 1882 where he was a normal family man till he fought in WW1, he returns from the war but isn’t the same person, suffering from PTSD.
We then travel to South England and meet her grandmother who with the help of a mischievous dog, meets a religious man.
Then search is concluded with her 47 year old cousin from Australia but finding out more about her cousin proves difficult.

The show ends with Aurelia performing as the music box ballerina again but this time it seems more poignant, she breaks into a dance of different cultures and ages before emotionally bringing the curtain down.

This is a wonderfully written show with an interesting look back in time. Aurelia delivers a very good performance jumping back to the past then forward to being ‘back in the room’ present day to reflect. A gripping poignant performance not to be missed.

****

Reviewed by Steve
August 23rd
The Space, Venue 45
12.35 (55 mins)
Until 24th August