Hold On Let Go
Alex is 56. Luca is half his age. Alex has an encyclopaedia in his head. Luca has one on her phone.
Alex can’t recall his mother’s voice or most of the 1980s. But, he can instantly bring to mind his mother’s cooking and his family’s stories of the Spanish Civil War.
Luca worries that she can’t remember the important stuff – things that might make the world a better place. Her journey sucks her into a black hole crammed full of everything she’s ever forgotten.
A poignant, personal meditation on the gaps in our memories, Hold On Let Go asks, what do we want to pass on to future generations?
It’s a show that bakes bread, dances on the kitchen table and wonders what is left when words are gone.
The creative team brings together Paul Smith (Maxïmo Park), Selina Thompson (salt.) and Liv Lorent (BalletLORENT), collaborating for the first time with Unfolding Theatre.
The creative process has been informed by a group of amazing older people from community organisation, Chain Reaction. Together we've explored what we remember and forget in our life stories. Parents and babies at Barnardo's Family Hub at Byker Sands Centre, have explored how we capture, preserve and pass on our memories.
“A show to remember. Infectious energy and good humour.”
— ★★★★ Scotsman
★★★★ — The Independent
CREATIVE TEAM
Director - Annie Rigby
Performers - Alex Elliott, Luca Rutherford
Writer - Luca Rutherford
Designer - Simon Henderson
Songwriter & Recorded Voice - Paul Smith
Sound Designer - Mariam Rezaei
Dramaturg - Selina Thompson
Choreographer - Liv Lorent
Lighting Designer - Nick Rogerson
Photography - Richard Lakos
Graphic Design - Wayne Gamble
SUPPORTED BY
Presented in association with LittleMighty.
Developed at Battersea Arts Centre and Northern Stage, and with older people at Chain Reaction and families at Byker Sands Centre, Newcastle. Supported by Joicey Trust and Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust.
WHEN
Hold On Let Go was part of Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019 at Summerhall. It has been touring through 2021 and 2022 and continues to tour through Spring 2023.