‘It’s not only pictures of the past that invented me, but the literal past. Things happened that couldn’t be changed.’
Peter Gill’s powerful memory play, Small Change, set on the east side of Cardiff in the 1950s and the 1970s, about boyhood, the complex love between mothers and sons and a search for the truth is revived by George Richmond-Scott and launches the Autumn season at Omnibus Theatre.
Last performed in London in 2008, this poetic exploration of the human condition centres around Gerard, a troubled man at the end of youth, trapped by his past. He relives his vibrant childhood in search for the moment that defined him. Gill’s story and its close examination of the truth and beauty in the ordinary and mundane, is widely regarded as one of his finest works.
Small Change will be George Richmond-Scott’s second play at Omnibus Theatre and follows his double 2018 OFFIE nominated adaptation of Lorca’s Blood Wedding. He says of Gill’s work: “I was drawn to his incredible vivid language and his gift for evoking place and childhood. At the heart of this play is a powerful examination of parent, child and love. It’s a story that looks at how we deal with the past and old wounds in our quest for reconciliation and peace.”
George is associate director on Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and newly appointed Head of Performance at ALRA South. He launched his new production company, Both Barrels Theatre in 2020 as a not-for-profit organisation. The creative team also includes movement director Rachel Wise, lighting designer Ali Hunter, and sound designer Lex Kosanke. The Small Change set and costumes will be designed by Liam Bunster.
Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common Northside, SW4 0QW from 14 September to 2 October 2021. Times: 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 4pm (Sun). Admission: £16, £13, £10.
Box Office: www.omnibus-clapham.org/small-change-2021/ – 0207 498 4699
