Barely Visible – Unity Theatre

Unity theatre continues to offer a space for important and thought-provoking theatre to the city of Liverpool, and Barely Visible is no different. The venue is unique because whenever you attend the theatre, you feel that the audience invariably are on the side of the performers, they are there to learn as much as to be entertained, and performer Rowena Gander certainly achieved this.

Barely Visible is a piece of physical theatre, including movement and dance around primarily pole work. It highlights social attitudes towards the lesbian community and tackles the lasting effects of some of the key difficulties lesbian women face.

Quite often the phrase thought-provoking is banded around, but it is safe to say that many members of the audience left Unity this evening having learned something and having questioned things they have said and heard in the past.

The piece is not an attack on any one group of people, but a plea for people to consider their words and actions more carefully. Gander and director Elinor Randle have created something unique and colourful, yet powerful and with an age-old message of equality. The piece is as humorous as it is challenging and should be equally commended for that.

The choreography (also created by Randle) was a joy. Upon first sight, the use of a pole may cast the idea of a one-dimensional use into your mind, but the use of the pole was genius – rarely could one simple item add so many dimensions to a piece of theatre.

Congratulations to the whole team and thank you for bringing this piece into the world, it should be seen and heard by as many people as possible.

Barely Visible has a final performance at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot on 14th April.

Thank you to Unity for their usual high standard of hospitality.

Reviewer: Andrew Lee

Reviewed: 6th April 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★