4/5 stars

Until 8 November

The Wrens Hotel

I was unsure what to expect when I entered The Wrens hotel and checked in for my own individual performance of The Reservation. I was greeted by name, treated like an old friend and made to feel comfortable. I was asked to bring a photo of a loved one (someone who I had lost or didn’t want to lose), and was given a letter explaining a little bit about the experience I was about to take part in. The Reservation is part of ‘The Grief Series’ devised by Ellie Harrison, and is all about creating a one-on-one experience which deals with bereavement.

I was given a suitcase and led to the hotel room where the piece would take place. I was left alone to explore the room and take in my new surroundings. There were magazines, books, a CD player with a selection of songs and little luggage labels including “play me” on a DVD player. I opened my suitcase to find various objects including a handkerchief, which I was to later write on, adding my experience to the other handkerchiefs tied to a curtain.There was a small knock on the door and Ellie appeared. We began a conversation in which we shared our photos and memories of loved ones. The moments were reflective, but it was oddly nice to share memories with a complete stranger.

Each performance is individual and deeply personal to that one audience member, but the idea of grief shouldn’t turn people away. I talked about someone that is still alive but the experience was still powerful and very moving. If anything, I wanted it to last longer. I wanted more time to explore the room and talk. The performers made me feel like I’d known them forever.

The Reservation is an incredibly sensitive and well-made piece, pushing the boundaries of performance whilst challenging the relationship between spectator and performer. Everyone should experience this.

Alice Rafter

http://griefseries.co.uk/the-reservation