26/10/2025
Well what can I say, what an unbelievable experience that was ๐
No Man's Land has come to an end at both theatres. The audiences have left, the set has been packed away, but I have a feeling that the effects of this play will be felt for some time, as the story is retold from one person to another.
Silence Speaks were brought in to provide wellbeing support throughout, as the play touched upon domestic violence, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, paedophilia, childhood trauma, & so many other challenging areas within a one hour one man show. South Wales Life said in their review that "๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐", which led to some deeply interesting conversations afterwards.
As the audience weren't told what to think, many weren't sure how to name the feelings that stayed with them when the lights went out. What they seen was harrowing, distressing, uncomfortable, leading to deep compassion & empathy for Lewis. As each scene played out, & Lew began to make sense of his trauma, the arc of the play moved beautifully from portraying a victim of suppressed trauma, to a survivor that confronts the past in the present, with the courage that he finds at the depths of his vulnerability.
The intense performance left those that didn't previously understand trauma enlightened, & those that had experienced similar experiences less alone. To be given the chance after each show to hold a space to have such conversations was a privilege, & I would like to thank each audience member that came over to speak with us before leaving the theatre.
Thank you to the wonderful Maggie Cee for supplying our stand with Suicide Prevention leaflets from the Co-Alc alliance & for coming along to each theatre with Esther Nagle ๐ซถ
Thanks also goes out to Fidgetiers for supplying us with sensory tools to support audience members with after each show, these were hugely supportive with regards to overwhelm & de-stimulation.
Both Sherman Theatre & Theatr Y Parc aโr Dรขr, Treorci / Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy were exceptional with how accommodating they were during every show & we thoroughly enjoyed working with every member of each theatre.
Lastly, thank you & beyond that, congratulations to Kyle Stead Creative for producing a one man masterpiece & for including us as the play moved into production, from script writing, through to audience support.
No Man's Land brought audiences to places where not many shows have dared to go, but with each theme that it explored, it made sure to bring them back & ground them in the present. We're thrilled that tickets exceeded expectations & that there were so many sold out shows along the way, & we hope that the set is put to good use again sometime soon ๐ช
