Upstaged Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
What does it mean to belong? That’s the question Liz Richardson delves into in Local – a gently captivating, part-autobiographical solo show that’s both quietly powerful and warmly inquisitive. Revisiting her childhood memories and home in West Cumbria, this richly observed and entertaining performance offers a heartfelt exploration of identity, community, and the ties that bind us to a place.
Richardson, known for her previous works Gutted and SWIM, is a deeply engaging storyteller. Bringing her signature honesty and humour to the stage, she weaves together a tapestry of personal anecdotes and reflections, inviting the audience into her world with warmth and ease. The performance charts a journey through memory and belonging – raising questions about the complexities of returning to where you grew up, and what it means to call somewhere home.
Hilarious childhood diary excerpts and self-choreographed teenage dance routines punctuate poignant conversations with old friends, familiar train journeys back home, and the affectionate absurdities of family life. All this is delivered in a focused 70 minutes, with no interval – a running time that suits the show’s intimate, finely tuned storytelling. It’s a sharply crafted piece, filled with moments that feel both specific and universally relatable.
The minimalist design allows Richardson’s storytelling to shine. Subtle use of video and sound conjures the rural landscapes of her past, enriching the atmosphere without overwhelming it.
Local will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with their sense of place and identity. What begins as a warm and gently comic reflection quietly deepens, as the performance takes an unexpected turn – one that’s deeply personal, but handled with sensitivity and grace. Alongside nostalgia, Richardson explores the shifting perspectives we hold regarding notions of home: how a place looks through a child’s eyes, and how it feels when you return as an adult.
It’s a tender, intelligent piece that balances humour with insight – and it leaves you quietly moved, perhaps even rethinking your own relationship with home.
– Kristy Stott
Performed at Lowry on 6 June. Catch Liz Richardson: Local at Lighthouse Arts Centre, Poole on 12 June and at the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster on 13 June.