Need something different to do? I watched a play at the Oran Mor and had so much fun

It’s worth noting that I am one of those students who sorely yearns for a more sophisticated pastime like going to the theatre, conservatory or any other art performance to replace the constant drunken parties that are essentially nothing but a desire for a “change of scenery”.

I’m not the only student who is sick and tired of the meaningless nights out in cold Glasgow. In the last month alone, I’ve heard a lot of complaints about how going out to bars and clubs to meet up with friends has become an extremely outdated way of lifting spirits (especially for second year students and older).

Not to mention the fact that very often such outings require a considerable financial contribution to the pockets of local alcohol licence holders and too frequent visits to such establishments are beyond the budget of the average student. Many would argue that going to the theatre is much more expensive than going to a bar.

But who said that the art of performance should be prohibitively costly?

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the second showing of To the Letter, a play crafted by the heads of the Canonical Theatre at Oran Mor. It may seem like an unconventional location for a play, but the downstairs room of this popular and beloved bar has a well-equipped stage and a suitable hall for concerts and other events, including acting performances, like the one in question.

The story revolves around the intricate relationship between two sisters who have contrasting personalities, beliefs, and biases, and the way they lead their lives. The play portrays the dynamics of the “golden child” and the “black sheep of the family” which can be relatable to many people. However, the central focus of the story is the old mailbox placed in front of the sisters’ parents’ house. The mailbox holds the secrets and intimate details of the life stories of people whose letters never reached their intended recipients.

As the play unfolds, the audience is transported to a world where they are given a unique opportunity to experience the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the characters through their letters. The letters, carefully opened by the sisters, reveal a treasure trove of hidden stories, each one a window into a different time and place. The play takes us on a journey through six parallel realities and time spaces, bringing to life tales long abandoned and forgotten. The voices of those who once wrote and participated in them echo through the ages, illuminating the rich and diverse human experience that they represent.

The worn and weathered letters contained an array of intriguing tales that captivated the packed audience in the hall. Among them were stories of naughty purebred dogs, clandestine money transfers to a sweetheart in Siberia, close encounters with extra-terrestrial beings, a mysterious cat killer, and an incredibly touching and tearful story of two young girls in love.

The audience was taken on an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing moments of joy, surprise, unbridled humour, and even deep sadness and hope.

The performance was captivating and left me wanting more. The actors were truly remarkable in their portrayal of the characters, and they managed to transport us into the story. As we watched the stage, it felt as though we were the main characters, opening the letters and uncovering the hidden secrets. The play was a true masterpiece created by the talented team at the Canonical Theatre.

The cosy atmosphere of Oran Mor provided a warm and welcoming ambience, which made for an enjoyable experience.

The performance on stage was captivating, evoking a range of emotions, from joy to introspection. As I watched the show, I found myself pondering over my own “unread letters”, feeling a sense of connection with the characters and their stories. Overall, it was a truly memorable evening that I won’t soon forget.

I can only hope that Canonical Theatre continues to produce such amazing works of art and share them with the world. The weekend was a resounding success, and I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and support to everyone involved in the performance and encourage fellow students to support local theatre, for the sake of art and education.

Suppose you’ve been feeling disappointed with the lack of options for spending time with your loved ones due to the sudden tiredness from bars and nightclubs. In that case, I suggest looking out for the upcoming activities and events presented by the theatre company and also looking out for the events hosted in Òran Mór.

So, keep an eye out for their schedules and make sure not to miss out on any of their upcoming shows because they are sure to keep you and your loved ones entertained.

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