Little Lark of London

Have you ever wondered about what is at the bottom of the River Thames? Of course, we hear stories of all sorts of things being tossed into the water, and mudlarks walk around when the tide is low, picking up objects that have washed ashore. But what if there was something more powerful under the murky waters?

Sing, River is a queer solo show that explores the depths of the Thames from a fantastical perspective as a young man goes to a riverbank full of objects in order to be returned to his “Golden Age.” Nathaniel Jones plays the main, acting as both the narrator and the main character throughout. Evie Cakebread’s lighting helps you feel as though you are underwater with Jones, gazing upon a range of objects like a golden crown, a disco ball, and flowers. 

The music, composed by Faye James, is both beautiful and haunting, and I’ve found myself humming melodies from the songs a few times over the past few days. The tunes have a fascinating quality that makes them feel as if they are coming from above the water when you are underneath, a muted aspect even though the lyrics are clear. Jones has a lovely singing voice, which makes the songs even more effective and pleasing to the ear. 

Throughout the show, Jones is attempting to return to what they believe to be the best moment in their life, a time when they were in love, but as the story continues, it is revealed that not everything is as perfect as it may first appear. Sing, River goes into the subject of abusive relationships and the effects they can have on the victim, who might change their memories in order to forget the suffering they faced. The ending of the work is an interesting one that truly makes the myth and the modern collide while still keeping the tone of the show. 

Ultimately, Sing, River is a beautiful piece that manages to tie in the magical aspects of myths and legends with the honest truth of modern life. James’s music and Jones’s performance come together for a lovely piece of theatre that will truly make you feel as if you have spent the past hour under the waters of the Thames with the gods. 

Sing, River runs at Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker One at 11:45 from 21 to 27 August (no performance on 23 August).

Photo Credit: Riya Kataria