You Never Really Know: Sinfonia's Stories From Harrogate Review

Harrogate residents stepped into the spotlight at the weekend as local people aged 60 and took over the stage in a new production built from their own memories, experiences and stories. As arts correspondent, Fiona Bennett found out at the weekend, Sinfonia: Stories from Harrogate, presented by The Performance Ensemble at Harrogate Theatre, was a big hit.

I love people, and I love hearing their stories: what shaped them, who they are, and the unique narratives they carry. That was what drew me to Sinfonia – Stories from Harrogate. It sounded different, and I was intrigued. I arrived with no expectations, but I could never have imagined what was in store.

The music was imaginative, innovative, surprising and exhilarating, performed by exceptionally talented musicians. The movement was beautifully choreographed and full of feeling. I especially loved Tamara McLorg’s solo: her movement had a natural lyricism and magic, with a suspended dynamic that was joyous.

The male duet by John Poulter and Alex Elliot was equally beautiful, but in a completely different way. It was both delicate and masculine, and their movement and sharing of weight made me think of friendship, connection, support, distance, struggle and understanding. Praise to their choreographer.

The set and costume design were simple, natural, raw and organic. They reflected the essence of the whole performance: real stories from real Harrogate folk. It was a fantastic, quirky idea, and every element worked together beautifully.

Jo Lee’s story was deeply poignant. I felt a shift in the audience at a moment in her story that no one seemed to expect, and her monologue was delivered with absolute heart.

There were too many memorable tales to mention them all, but one resonated with me particularly strongly as a mother. Fiona Evard spoke about her son: his struggles, his way of coping, and the way he ultimately conveyed his deep love for her.

The Performance Ensemble delivered their lines, some of them quite lengthy, with passion and power. Fiona Scott's, John Poulter's and Alex Elliot’s performances were strikingly good, each in a completely different way.

As the final applause came, I found myself wanting more. I was eager to hear more tales from times gone by, from people who cared. The performance was a moving reminder that there are good people out there: kind people, each carrying their experiences.

After all is said and done, we are all human, and we are all fighting our own small battles. You never really know what someone else is dealing with.

I want to see more from this innovative company.