Denise Gough, playing the lead role of addict Emma on her journey through admittance, rehab and recovery has attracted all manner of praise for her wonderful performance. Recently she received the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Play, and she more than deserves it for the tour de force she delivers night after night. Her performance is raw, visceral and enthralling, a not to be missed performance.
 
With that all said, for me Gough was not the ‘star’ of the show. While her performance was phenomenal, to me the real star of the show was the creative team. The writer, director, designer, movement director, sound, lighting, projection. You name it, these people are at the top of their game and amalgamated to produce a very special piece of theatre. With direction from Jeremy Herrin, artistic director for Headlong, every element of the show is as strong as each other
 
Headlong have developed a style, and it was certainly stamped all over this piece. Anyone who saw their adaptation of 1984 at the Playhouse last year will be able to recognise their hallmarks. If you failed to catch 1984 it was recently announced that the production will be back in London later this year after a successful international tour.
 
Their bright, vibrant theatre they create is leading the way for other companies with a blend of physical theatre, music and bold lighting designs. It is contemporary theatre at its best.
 
So my applause goes not just to those on stage but those off stage and those who are not present at the theatre, but their work is. Everyone who had a hand in creating People, Place & Things should be justly proud
 
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