Plymouth Theatre Review

Title: ‘Send him My Love’

Venue: The House, Studio

Date: 31st May 2024

Overall Rating: 4.5

‘Send him My Love’ written and performed by Seb Watkins, is an evocative art performance piece that delves deeply into the themes of remembrance, grief and death. The performance ingeniously utilises projections of hand drawn images on an old school projector, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt and touching narrative that is equally factual as it is thoughtful.

The performance is written beautifully, with each drawing accompanied by its own carefully crafted narrative to resonate emotionally with the audience. The clarity and concise nature of Watkins’ voice propelled the spoken word to new heights making the outstanding writing resonate with the audience and fostering a deeper sense of connection to the piece. The hand drawn illustrations projected onto the white backdrop evokes a sense of intimacy and raw emotion, effectively conveying the personal and universal aspects of loss, death and remembrance. These visuals combined with the poignant storytelling create a powerful and profound atmosphere and invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences with grief and remembrance.

What sets this show apart is the creative approach to the heavy themes. The use of an old school projector adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to the piece, bridging the gap between past and present. I particularly enjoyed the use of the old projector, being somewhat of a relic of the past itself, it was a nice juxtaposition between the old equipment and the and new and nuanced way of delivering the narrative and images, and served as another example of how the artist expertly navigates the ideas of remembering and nostalgia. The use of the projector infuses the performance with a sense of history and continuity, connecting the past and present in a meaningful way. This method not only highlights the transient nature of life but also honours the memory of those who have passed in a unique and respectful manor. The simplicity and charm of the hand drawn images evoke a personal touch, making the themes of the piece all that more relatable and accessible. 

The performance is heartfelt, with each element – from the writing to the visuals – teeming with passion and the authenticity of lived experience and these elements work in harmony to deliver a profoundly moving and memorable experience.  ‘Send him My Love’ is a testament to the power of art to touch the soul and provide solace in times of grief. The synergy between the writing and the visuals creates an evocative and immersive experience that sticks with you long after the performance ends. In essence, this piece is a compelling artistic examination of the human experience in a creative portrayal of our most profound moments.