Portsmouth and the surrounding area are steeped in stories about Spies and mysteries. The Oyster House is based on the real house that stood on the shores of Farlington Marshes for over 130 years and would have held a fair number of stories within its walls.

However, with so many entwined stories taking place within the play beyond the initial description used by People and Stories production company about The Oyster House, I am not divulging any of the spoilers which are predominantly uncovered during the second act, and everything comes together.

Jackson Batchelor in the role of The Oyster House landlord, gives an outstanding performance throughout the play. He offers a reliable and trustworthy narrative. Performing to an audience in a square formation is challenging. However,  he positions himself on stage several times during each scene to face of the entire audience. 

When a visiting artist, Charlotte Meyer (Kia Wilson), rents the house from Augustus. Her editor has sent her there to create a series of illustrations for the book company. From the brief look that the audience can see, it’s all local “flora and Fauna” from the local area. Augustus proves to be an invaluable guide for her to find some interesting things to draw and introduces her to the local delicacy of fresh Oysters.

The Girl in the play is performed by Yvonne Maxwell without speaking a word throughout the entire performance. Although there’s no doubt about what she is doing and how much anguish she carries with her. Her back story is never explained fully, we are aware that she has spent time in a local asylum and often escaped. I would have been interested to know more about her.

The costumes are in keeping with the period in The Oyster House is set.  Along with the simple furniture used as the staging props. Functional and practical as you’d expect to find in a seasonal rental house.

The Oyster House have performances around the Portsmouth area until Saturday 28th June. For more information about the upcoming dates and future productions by People and Stories, please use the links below.

Three and a half Stars.

https://www.peopleandstories.co.uk/

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/people-and-stories

CREATIVE TEAM

Vin Adams:  Actor & Modelmaker
Jackson Batchelor:  Actor
Yvonne Maxwell:  Actor
Matt Parsons:  Technical Manager & Videographer
Geraldine Ramsay: Lighting Designer
Scott Ramsay: Actor, Co-writer & Director
Kia Wilson: Actor & Co-writer
Elizabeth Weston: Education Project Manager
Andrew Worsfold:  Production Photography.

Performance Dates.

Saturday 17 May 2025 – Alverstoke Parish Centre, Gosport, 8pm

Tuesday 20 May 2025 – Tudor Sailing Club, Portsmouth, 8pm – sold out

Wednesday 21 May 2025 – Staggeringly Good Brewery, Portsmouth, 8pm

Wednesday 28 May 2025 – Spring Arts Centre, Havant, 8pm – sold out

Thursday 29 May 2025 – D-Day Memorial Hall, Southwick, 8pm

Thursday 5 June 2025 – St Faith’s Community Hub, Gosport, 8pm

Friday 6 June – The Black Barn, Hayling Island, 8pm

Saturday 14 June 2025 – Christ Church Portsdown, Waterlooville, 8pm

Sunday 15 June 2025 – Milton Community Centre, Portsmouth, 8pm

Friday 20 June 2025 – Thorngate Halls, Gosport, 8pm

Saturday 21 June 2025 – Bedhampton Community Centre, 8pm

Friday 27 June 2025 – Park Community Theatre, Havant, 8pm

Saturday 28 June 2025 – The Dockyard Club, Portsmouth, 3pm & 7.30pm