Hotel World (based on the novel by Ali Smith) is set in hotel chain Global Hotels. It's the story of the accidental death of one of the group's employees, Sara Wilby, and the impact it has on people she knew and didn't know.

Three people gather round a hole in a wall, throwing things down it, but not knowing how long it takes for the items to hit the bottom. They have no watch to time the fall. This scene is pivotal to the story and revisited throughout the play. Sara's ghost (Amy Russell) keeps asking the same question: 'How long did it take?' - normally followed by 'Whooooho'. Her sister, Clare (Eleanor Brooks-Shorland) wants answers about Sara's death, so that she can get on with her life - and face her fears.

Receptionist Lise (Emma Cunningham), takes pity on Else (Holly Cook) - a homeless woman with a hacking cough - by letting her stay in one of the hotel's empty rooms. Another guest, jaded writer Penny (Leonie Sheridan), has a room near the now boarded-up dumb-waiter. Will Duncan (Jacob Beswick), who hides in a cupboard, be able to let go of his guilt about Sara’s death? When Lise becomes ill, her mother Deirdre (Pebbles Brown) brings her Marks & Spencer food and home-grown poetry.

Scenes flit back and forth, not necessarily reflecting the timeline of events, but approaching the story from different viewpoints, which is confusing. There is a light-handedness and poignancy to the work. Although it is about a tragic, unnecessary death, it is also a celebration of life - as is seen in the closing scene, when Sara finds out how long it took for her to fall, and Clare embraces her fears.

There's enthusiasm, professionalism and integrity from all the cast. They handle the scenery changes seamlessly. Characters are believable and above all engaging - inviting a real interest in their pasts and futures. It's one of the finest performances of the festival.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Jacob Beswick – Duncan. Eleanor Brooks-Shorland – Clare. Pebbles Brown – Deirdre. Holly Cook – Else. Emma Cunningham – Lise. Amy Russell – Sara. Leonie Sheridan – Penny.

Company Credits: Writer (of book Hotel World) - Ali Smith. Director - Lucy Cuthbertson. Designer - Becky Hurst. Lighting Designer - Natasha Chivers & Stuart Willcocks. Sound Designer - Molly Bertrand & Tony Perreta. Lighting Operator - Nick Robinson. Assistant Director & Sound Operator - Molly Bertrand. Producer - Shermaine Slocombe. Company - Kidbrooke School in association with Greenwich Theatre.

END

(c) Lea Harris 2007

reviewed Friday 17 August 07 / Theatre Workshop

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com