With a Fringe schedule packed with many solo theatre shows, ‘The Soaking of Vera Shrimp’ from Patch of Blue is truly a standout. Patch of Blue Theatre have created a moving show that lingers, gently tugging at the heartstrings.

Entering the venue, I honestly felt like I was in Vera’s home, and that intimacy remained throughout the show. The audience took their seats while Vera fidgeted and fussed awkwardly in front of an imposing bookshelf filled with trinkets, books, maps and notes—a treasure trove of personal items that would soon be used in her enthusiastic way to share her fascination with the water cycle and love of facts. Each of the props are used masterfully. Vera’s earnest and endearing introduction, and her explanation of how each raindrop has a unique history or feeling, made it easy for us to fall in love with her. Martha Walker expertly embodied the awkwardness of a quirky teenager coming to terms with her unique weirdness and self-doubt that can cripple anyone in those pivotal teenage years.

Vera’s love of the seemingly mundane and ordinary demonstrates the spark of curiosity she wants to share with the world… and with the people close to her. There are many sad moments as Vera shares the struggle of grief, and how two broken people struggle to come to terms with it together. Occasional audience participation has the feeling of breaking the fourth wall, but rather than taking us out of the moment, it connects us more deeply to what Vera is going through. We become the touchstone as her father becomes increasingly removed, consumed by his own grief.

Lighting and music build with the story. Nothing feels overdone, but everything adds to the experience. When the story takes an unexpected darker turn, our hearts break along with Vera’s. Audience members were crying openly (me included), as projections and photographs appeared on the backdrop, the music building to an emotional crescendo.

A line that stayed with me was Vera’s reflection towards the end of the show: “Sometimes you just have to do, don’t you?” Life may take unexpected turns, but we are encouraged to find beauty in the mundane and simple things—like Vera. The script is full of gorgeous prose and self-reflection that feels authentic and relatable at every stage.

There was not a thing I would change about this bittersweet production. The Soaking of Vera Shrimp from Patch of Blue is decidedly a 5-star show, and a favourite of the Fringe season.

5 stars

By Mel Watt

Tue, 17 Feb – Sun, 22 Mar
Judy’s at HST at Holden Street Theatres
MA15+
Tickets HERE