The Vault Festival is back for the first time in 3 years with over 500 diverse and wonderful productions from emerging artists – there is something for everyone. New musicals are always exciting and In Clay definitely started the festival off with a bang, and with a sold-out performance!
In Clay questions what is an artist’s success? Is it the fame and fortune recognised by the international community, or the joy of creating – the personal crusade to reach one’s goals.
In Clay is a new one-woman musical based on a true story told from a small kitchen in the suburbs of Paris, in the late 1930s. Marie Berthe-Cazin (1872-1981) eagerly awaits her friend Henrietta’s arrival. The audience is taken on a journey following an artist through the ups and downs of her career, love, friendships, and unfilled potential. A story of chaos and creativity, and the truth of being a creative.
The radiant Rosalind Ford is a truly magnificent storyteller, playing the self-deprecating, and sweet Marie Berthe-Cazin. Luring the audience in with her charm and calmness taking us on a sensitive and emotional journey from her moment of self-discovery to when she exhibited her first piece at the Salon (with surprising results!) to ultimately a passionate artist deeply embracing clay. Her successes and accolades are huge but not for herself!
The relaxed jaunty jazz accompaniment (adding a Parisian-like atmosphere) fuses into the story effortlessly, showcasing Ford’s outstanding vocals with precise intonation, word-play, and rhyming. However, no song particularly stands out and it feels as though the music is an addition, not a driving force for the story. The base of the music reminds me of a favourite musical of mine, Amelie, linking to the Parisian style.
The simple set incorporates ceramics and art supplies, it is effective in immersing the audience in the artistic style of the production and sets the scene of the story to come.
In Clay is like an impeccably moulded ceramic pot. A seamlessly blended musical that is intimate, detailed and entertaining.
VAULT Festival has been left without a venue for 2024’s festival and beyond
• VAULT Festival have launched a #SaveVAULT campaign
• The campaign aims are to raise £150,000 by 19th March to support the festival’s survival AND to secure a new home for the festival to continue.
• You can help by donating, helping access funding networks, and helping then find a venue.
• You are officially implored to make the most of 2023’s Festival while it lasts!
{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}
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