I recently had the pleasure of attending “Grounded” at the Alphabetti Theatre, which marked my very first visit to this delightful venue. As I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the theatre’s warm community atmosphere and its cheerful, positive vibe that enveloped me like a comforting embrace. Instead of typical tannoy announcements that one might expect in more conventional venues, a staff member welcomed us personally while standing on the desk, which added a charming and personal touch to our arrival. The intimate setting of Alphabetti Theatre reminded me fondly of Birmingham Rep’s close-knit space where audiences can feel genuinely connected to the performance. On this particular evening, the audience was at full capacity, each person eager and excited to experience the show unfold before their eyes.
Thoughtfully enhancing this atmosphere were two colleagues from a local charity who were present in the foyer to offer support related to themes discussed in the performance—a considerate gesture that spoke volumes about community engagement and awareness. The production itself featured two talented musicians seamlessly integrated into the narrative alongside two actors who delivered an engaging story with remarkable skill. It opened with a musical track that perhaps felt slightly extended for my taste; however, it did set an interesting tone for what was to come. Throughout the performance, Zoe Lambert and Christina Berriman-Dawson delivered superb performances filled with depth and nuance that truly captivated my attention. The story revolves around one character grappling with her husband’s passing at the onset of the pandemic—a poignant exploration of grief portrayed through raw and emotional acting interspersed with moments of humour that provided balance amidst such heavy themes.
I found myself so engrossed in this heartfelt narrative that I momentarily forgot I was in Newcastle until jolted back by the distinctive North Eastern accents resonating from the stage. Adding another layer of enchantment to this memorable performance was its music—an exquisite complement that elevated its brilliance alongside well-executed lighting design and theatrical craftsmanship evident throughout every scene. In light of all these elements combined—excellent performances, thoughtful engagement with audience members regarding sensitive themes—the show left quite an impression on me. Therefore, I would recommend “Grounded” as certainly worth watching; if asked for my opinion on it overall, I would be inclined to rate it four stars out of five for its impact and artistry.
