Words: Robert Parker-White

4 Stars

A History of Paper is a poignant love story that centres around paper and the love that is wrapped up inside it. The little bits of paper that make up our lives. Postcards, passports, to-do lists – they contain our stories.

Through exploring a dusty cardboard box filled with old papers, a retelling of the love story begins. Beginning with a note through a neighbours door; “Hello Number 4, this is Number 6. Please could you SHUT THE **** UP? Ta,” and spanning origami creations, train tickets and breakfast receipts – two unnamed characters fall in love.

With live piano accompaniments, Gareth Williams’ music sets a beautiful, light-hearted tone sung to perfection by performers Christopher Jordan-Marshall and Emma Mullen. The tone and charm of the piece moves from this light-hearted love story to devasting loss in an instant. Tragically grief, we find out, is at the core of this story.

Written by the late Oliver Emanuel, who was taken by brain cancer aged 43, the musical is posthumously presented which makes his message all the more powerful. Bring your tissues.

A History of Paper by Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams
Traverse Theatre, Traverse 2
Various times
Aug 13-18, 20-25