Trestle

by Stewart Pringle

directed by Matthew Parker

produced by Parker Graham

“We’re not here forever. You’ve got to take a chance from time to time. Sometimes you’ve got to see something you like and grab hold. Don’t let it go.”

Harry feels like life is beginning to tick down, his autumn years spent quietly caring for the community he loves. Denise thinks life begins in retirement and she’s dancing like she’s still at high school. When their paths cross unexpectedly at the village hall, their understanding of the time they have left changes irrevocably.

Trestle is a warm hearted, funny and moving comic drama about two retired people brought together each week and who begin to share their lives, loves, hopes… and dealing with a trestle table.

Winner of the 2017 Papatango New Writing Prize, Trestle is written by Stewart Pringle (RSC, Royal Court, National Theatre Studio). The 2021 production, directed by award winner Matthew Parker (Best Director OFFIE Awards 2023), garnered four OFFIE Award nominations including Best Production and was a Finalist at The London Pub Theatre Awards. New theatre company Parker Graham are excited to revive Trestle at The Jack Studio Theatre in 2025, once more under the direction of Matthew Parker reuniting with Jilly Bond (National Theatre, Birmingham Rep) and Timothy Harker (Witness For The Prosecution, Call The Midwife) in their OFFIE award nominated performances as Denise and Harry.

This production has been licensed by arrangement with The Agency (London) Ltd, 24 Pottery Lane, London W11 4LZ.

Production shots by Ross Kernahan

Press for this production:

“Propelled by Jilly Bond and Timothy Harker’s charm and chemistry, Trestle is a highly watchable, warm and intimate bottling of just how powerful friendship can be… Spending a couple of hours with Denise and Harry in their little room prompts reflections on grief, community, politics and the vitality of human connection. More importantly, the audience can bask in the genuine warmth of their friendship, warts and all. Superb acting, writing and direction make Trestle a real treat.  A Young(ish) Perspective ★★★★★

a delightfully charming show, filled with warmth and heart. A lot of this is due to the fabulous performances from Timothy Harker (Harry) and Jilly Bond (Denise), wholeheartedly bringing their characters to life with their wonderfully naturalistic and genuine approaches…  Director Matthew Parker’s strong direction allows the pair to move fluidly around the space… It’s hard not to leave the theatre beaming and impossible not to completely adore the writing and the performers in this remarkably heart-warming show.RatedReviewed  ★★★★1/2

Stewart Pringle’s writing is original, assured and his voices are truly authentic… The carefully choreographed setting in which the rhythmic movement of furniture and the fine details of telling props and costume changes pin the storytelling very much on the canvas of our own lives, making it uncomfortably relatable in the way that good theatre should. All of this culminates in a silent and economical epilogue that proves that the best theatre (and this is) can do so much with so little. Go and see what I mean: I promise you that you’ll feel better about yourself and the world you live in. Everything Theatre ★★★★

Pringle’s writing is rich with warmth and subtlety, allowing the characters’ emotions to emerge naturally through everyday conversations and shared silences… Under the direction of Matthew Parker, this simple yet deeply resonant storytelling becomes even more impactful within this intimate setting...Trestle is a deeply moving comedy drama full of life and full of hope that will resonate with both mature audiences and younger adults….we look forward to seeing more work from new theatre company Parker Graham.”  The Young Londoner

“Under the astute eye of Matthew Parker’s direction, Timothy Harker and Jilly Bond play out this developing connection beautifully. So much potential and poignancy packed into this succession of small moments, the weight of possibility hanging in the air with each stolen glance or hidden gift, the bittersweet reality of life equally present though, reminding us how hard it can be to change.” There Ought to be Clowns

“Brimming with good humour and a generous spirit… The acting in Trestle is strong throughout. Both Harker and Bond bring warmth and authenticity to their roles, making their characters’ quirks and vulnerabilities deeply relatable. There is a real humour in their exchanges, which makes their developing friendship all the more engaging… It’s a play that lingers in the mind, prompting reflection on what community means and how our connections shape us.” Salterton Arts Review ★★★★

“Parker Graham’s fantastic set feels like it’s been scooped up from a village with its magnolia walls and familiar furniture… Matthew Parker’s smart direction and Laurel Marks’s lighting create a gentle rhythm as each weekly encounter is marked. Jilly Bond and Timothy Harker have extraordinary chemistry as the relationship changes and they navigate misunderstandings and conflicts… Pringle’s witty writing captures the social nuances of village life.. a wonderful way to fill a chilly winter evening.” ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions

“the story and the writing is on point… Expertly navigated by director Matthew Parker…Jilly Bond has warmth and depth, and a connection with both the audience and her fellow actor…Timothy Harker’s Harry is insular and deflated and lost… How his character develops in the second half gives him the chance to show his range and it’s a very touching performance. Another hit for Kate and Karl at the Jack Studio Theatre” ★★★★ London Pub Theatres

“The use of sound… is very skillful indeed and Andy Graham has worked wonders…a gentle delight with performances to admire and a lovely tantalising ending.” ★★★★ Reviewsgate

STANDING OVATION NOMINATION from London Pub Theatres.

Trestle

Written by Stewart Pringle

Directed by Matthew Parker

Set Designer: Parker Graham   

Costume Designer: Delga Martineau

Stage Manager: Charlie Heptinstall

Sound Designer: Andy Graham

Lighting Designer: Laurel Marks

Produced by Parker Graham

 

Harry: Timothy Harker

Denise: Jilly Bond

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