Flutter-Bye
Ironworks Studios, Brighton
Set against the backdrop of Summer 1982, Flutter-Bye follows Mary as she packs up the detritus-filled bedroom of her Brighton home, a seemingly simple act that unearths a lifetime of memories, regrets and long-buried dreams that were shattered. This isn’t just packing – it’s an explosive unravelling of a life once filled with promise. Once on the path to stardom, Mary was forced to put her singing career on hold to care for her mother, who was living with dementia. Now, as she sifts through the past, the audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster—through love, passion, loss, grief, laughter, and ultimately, the question of whether she can reclaim the voice that was silenced for so long. As her world unravels around her, the past comes knocking once again. Will she rise from the ashes and sing once more?
From the heights of a soaring singing career to the depths of heartbreak, Allison Ferns as Mary confronts the moments that stole her spotlight and left her life in shadow. It is an assured and confident performance from the BBC Radio Sussex Presenter who commands the stage for just over an hour. Her delivery is clear, measured, never over-the-top and the too brief moments when she breaks into song are reminiscent of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.
The play itself written by Steve Barrey is a bit predictable and I was waiting for a twist at the end which when it comes is a bit of an anti-climax. Mary’s bedroom is simple and effective although more use could have been made of her dressing table and accompanying chair and I’m not sure the frequent forays into the audience were really necessary.
Overall though, this is a play worth seeing albeit mainly because of the central performance and because the production is in support of Our Dementia Choir.
Reviewer: Patric Kearns