We are great supporters of the work of small theatres and take the opportunity to see productions in London pubs whenever we can. They offer an intimate and relaxed experience, blending the charm and convenience of a local watering hole with the magic of live performances. Many pub theatres in London serve as incubators for emerging talent, providing a platform for experimental works, new writers and directors, and grassroots theatre companies.
Our most recent theatre outing was to see Trestle by Stewart Pringle, winner of the 2017 Papatango New Writing Prize, at the Jack Studio Theatre in an inaugural production by a new company, Parker Graham, and under the direction of OFFIE award-winning director Matthew Parker.
Trestle is the charming story of a relationship in retirement between two people who cross paths at the same time and place on a weekly basis. Harry (Timothy Harker) is a quiet widower settled in his daily routine and content with his steady and uneventful life caring for the community he loves. Denise (Jilly Bond) is full of beans, loves to dance and make friends. They meet each week at the village community hall, moving the trestle table after Harry’s meetings to make room for Denise’s zumba classes, and begin a friendship of sorts sharing life stories, hopes, and a sandwich or two.
Pringle’s writing is rich with warmth and subtlety, allowing the characters’ emotions to emerge naturally through everyday conversations and shared silences. Trestle is about the hesitations and possibilities that come with change, even later in life. Under the direction of Matthew Parker, this simple yet deeply resonant storytelling becomes even more impactful within this intimate setting. The regular shifting of the trestle table serves to punctuate the passing of time, leaving the audience reflecting on its fleeting nature and the importance of embracing new beginnings.
Trestle is a deeply moving comedy drama full of life and full of hope that will resonate with both mature audiences and younger adults. Trestle is well worth a trip to Brockley’s Jack Studio Theatre (London Pub Theatre of the Year ’23) and we look forward to seeing more work from new theatre company Parker Graham.
Trestle is at the Jack Studio Theatre until 8 March 2025. Tickets £17. Runs for two hours, including a fifteen-minute interval. Full information and booking here.
For more ideas of things to do in London for young families, please visit our What’s on or Theatre & Dance pages. We also have a long list of family-friendly things to do this February.