The Soaking of Vera Shrimp - 10 out of 10
Patch of Blue
TICKETS: The Soaking of Vera Shrimp | Adelaide Fringe
Greeting you at the school gate, Martha Walker, as Vera Shrimp, embodies the awkwardness of being 14. She is both excited and nervous to share her science presentation on the water cycle, but The Soaking of Vera Shrimp is more than just a school presentation – it’s a play that will have you wanting to wrap your arms around Vera and protect her from the heartaches she’s endured.
The Soaking of Vera Shrimp is a gem of a show and the venue, Judy’s Room at Holden Street Theatres, suits the intimate material perfectly. Solo performer plays benefit from an “in-your-face” audience, but they can be broken by it just as easily. Any sense of artifice, or of going through the motions, and the illusion is shattered. I can safely say there is no danger of that here. Martha is an expert performer and embodies her role as student, storyteller, and master of the room. Her journey from awkward schoolgirl losing friendships, experiencing soul-crushing loss, elation at a profound realisation, and back to loss and heartache is masterfully presented. The moment three facts are revealed about her dad is truly heart-rending.
The use of props hidden in the dense bookshelves and the old-school overhead projector slides is inspired. The hallmark of a great director is that you don’t question the choices they’ve made; you don’t even think about them. Alex Howarth is, quite simply, a great director, aided by a brilliantly written script by Alison Carr.
There’s not much else I can say without giving the story away. Even the hardest of hearts will be moved by Martha in The Soaking of Vera Shrimp.
–Scott
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