Caroline Horton and Holden Street Theatres. Holden Street Theatres - The Arch, Feb 16 to Mar 6
As creative souls the world over will tell you, the inspiration for writing and producing a theatrical performance comes from many difference places. However there is something magical about a piece that comes straight from the heart; this is one of those shows.
In a touching and funny play based on the writer's own family history, You're Not Like The Other Girls Chrissy relates the love story of a young French woman torn from her British fiance in wartime Paris. We meet Christiane as she stands upon a Gard du Nord platform to board the train that will reunite her with her husband-to-be. Happy and full of anticipation, she chats to the audience as she waits, regaling an extraordinary tale of love and separation during the tumultuous years of World War 2.
Christiane's warmth, strength and determination are beautifully portrayed in this solo performance by writer and actor Caroline Horton. Horton is wonderful onstage, showing an affection and tenderness for the character that clearly translates to the audience. She keeps you invested in the piece until its last word.
Excellent costuming and lighting combined with an innovative set to complete the piece. Horton is surrounded onstage by a number of suitcases that open out into gorgeous dioramas and play sounds that tie into poignant moments and locations in the play, such as a bed of roses for an English summer day, or a pop-up Paris skyline as the couple tour the city together. At the close of the show, she uses projection to display photos of the real Christiane and a happy conclusion to the lovers' tale.
A deserving recipient of accolades both here and overseas, including 2010's The Stage Awards for Best Solo Performer at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this lovely piece is a highlight of this year's festival.
Nicole Russo
