Written and Performed by Julie Flower
Directed by Sarah Chew
Review by Florence Carr-Jones
Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose: Tickets
This show is a heartfelt tribute to Julie Flower’s grandmother, Hilda Flowers, and the city of Sheffield. At its core, it’s a microhistory that vividly brings to life Hilda’s unique role in Sheffield’s counterculture scene as the eccentric owner of a junk shop from the 1960s to the 1990s. The story is charming and poignant, with the transformation of Hilda Flower’s junk shop—now a vape shop—serving as a symbol of a bygone era. Through the eyes of a young Julie Flower, helping in her grandmother’s shop, the vibrant counterculture of Sheffield comes to life.
Flower’s performance is full of vivacious energy, and her use of clothing as props is particularly moving, especially when she reveals that these are actual pieces from her grandmother’s shop. News articles from that era about her grandmother serve as key elements in the narrative. Combined with these personal items and Flower’s memories, they create a deep, three-dimensional connection for the audience to this eccentric and beloved woman, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for Sheffield in the late twentieth century. This nostalgia is further enhanced by a soundtrack featuring music by Richard Hawley and Pulp, which adds an authentic touch and perfectly captures the spirit of the time and place. Additionally, there is an interesting secondary narrative centred on Flower’s research. Through Flower’s commentary in the made-up ‘Family History Group’ she attends, the show explores the challenges of uncovering family history and the difficulties of piecing together the stories of individuals.
However, while the show has much to commend, there are moments when it relies too heavily on tech to transition between time periods and scenes. This occasionally disrupts the narrative flow, making the timeline difficult to follow. Additionally, the shifts between characters occasionally lack clear distinction, which can impact the overall immersion.
Despite these minor flaws, the production remains a touching and memorable exploration of personal history, offering a heartfelt glimpse into a life well-lived and a city well-loved
Review by Florence Carr-Jones (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Florence recently graduated with a degree in History from the University of Edinburgh, where her passion for theatre often took precedence over her academic studies. During her time at university, she was actively involved in many theatre societies, but her deep passion was with Theatre Paradok, the experimental theatre society, where she served as president this past year. She is the director and writer of her own company, Fools and Thieves, and will begin a Master’s in Drama Directing at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School this September. Florence is particularly fascinated by interdisciplinary approaches to theatre and how the medium can evolve in the contemporary world.
