Culture Theatre

Unlimited Festival: Leave the Light on for Me at Southbank Centre

Unlimited Festival: Leave the Light on for Me at Southbank Centre | Theatre review

Leave the Light on for Me, one of a series of performances as part of Southbank Centre’s Unlimited Festival, is a bold and vibrant exploration of the issues society face in response to the climate crisis. From directors Joyce Lee (creative director of Mind The Gap, a non-profit organisation that specialises in accessible performances with autistic actors and performers with learning disabilities) and Nice Miles-Wildin, this is a magnificently tongue-in-cheek performance that brings a new perspective to the debate on climate change. 

In a story set in the not-too-distant future of 2038, where stringent eco-rules are the sole responsibility of the individual and enforced by officers known as planet inspectors, two sisters must rebel against a system that fails to claim responsibility for its own hand in climate change. The narrative unfolds through a series of game show-type challenges, musical numbers and dance routines, daring to ask questions of government and corporations that fail to act in the face of the climate crisis. It’s a performance that is brimming with laughter and a rebellious spirit that urges its audience to participate, and not only take individual action, but also act collectively to encourage our institutions to enact meaningful change.

Leave the Light on for Me is an accessible, lighthearted show with real attitude that is brilliant for people of all ages, featuring an excellent cast from Mind the Gap, who bring laughter to a production with an increasingly serious message at its core. A unique and impactful experience that demands more of society, delivered in a package that is fun, inclusive and teeming with joyous expression.

Ronan Fawsitt

Leave the Light on for Me is at Southbank Centre from 10th September until 11th September 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Read our interview with director Joyce Lee here.

Unlimited Festival (featuring creative projects by disabled artists and companies) is on at the Southbank Centre from 7th until 11th September 2022. For further information visit here.

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