By John Gibson. Venue 16 – Clover Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court

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In an era in which it is now commonplace for many acts to have their costs paid by third parties, it’s increasingly up to working-class performers to turn to crowdfunding to realize their dreams. Laura-Rose Layden may need her show supported by well-wishers, but her talent and vision needs no assistance as her voice and acting beamed brightly through the modest Clover Studio.

Her interpretation of a teenage girl (Lady Jane Grey, the ‘Nine Days Queen’) grappling with the circumstances that led her to her violent death is both poignant and powerful. Her portrayal of Jane’s physical torment and the lyricism of her writing is some of the best work I have seen at the Festival this year. I hope Layden can further develop the show with more visual assistance for audiences that are perhaps unfamiliar with the history.