Stitches by Jonathan Blakeley.

Chloe’s bought a teddy bear when she was born by her grandmother. The entire play is a solo performance by Jonathan Blakeley, who tells the story of Chloes life through his eyes, the teddybear in the heartfelt play Stitches.

Samantha Pears directs Blakeley through Chloe’s younger years. Bumping him through the streets, sharing fun and laughter with him, complete with a trip in the washing machine where we watch him getting cleaned ready for the next adventure.

However, as Chloe grows up and leaves home to start new adventures first at university, her teddybear is dragged along for the ride and witnessed things he probably would rather not. From romantic liaisons with boys to experimenting with narcotics. Typical things many teenagers will “dabble in.”

Blakeley’s writing and performance highlight how it feels to be lonely a universal situation everyone can experience and relate to from time to time. This is followed by the jubilation of being hugged when Chloe reaches out for him when she needs reassurance or the familiar comfort from her friend.

I especially liked the comradery between himself and the fellow soft toys he meets while on his journey with Chloe. They greet each other with gusto as they are so pleased to be the chosen toy by their children!

Stitches has been six years in the making and is one Off West End play you want to see, if you miss it this time round watch out for it as I am sure this isn’t going to be the only time this teddybear is coming onto the stage to share his wonderful story of love and friendship.

For more information on Stitches and future productions at the Hope Theatre, which is currently in its last season before it sadly closes. Please use the link below.

Four Stars.