Theatre / tom marshman
‘A Shining Intimacy’: Tom Marshman presents a show about theatre, grief, and queer friendships
For over two decades, Bristol theatre maker, writer and artist Tom Marshman has made work across many mediums, from theatre and cabaret to performance art; video projection to museum audio-tours, and his socially engaged ‘tea parties’, actively encouraging dialogue with others.
Across much of his work, Marshman focuses on amplifying queer stories through his own unique, multi-media visual language.
His new work A Shining Intimacy comes to Tobacco Factory Theatres for a four night run, beginning on May 9.
is needed now More than ever
Tom Marshman: courtesy of the artist
It is an emotive and sensitive exploration of theatre, queer friendships and grief, examining the deep bond between the late comic actor and raconteur Kenneth Williams and his close friend, the esteemed actor Maggie Smith, as well as Marshman’s own close friendship with the late artist Clare Thornton.
In it, he uses archival TV and radio interviews, newspaper articles, diary clippings, memoirs, props and ghostly projections, reviving Williams and Smith as apparitions within the theatre.
Williams was known to be a spiky character, socially – though, as Marshman reflects, “he found a soulmate in Smith, who instinctively understood, bolstered and appreciated her reclusive and closeted friend”.
Tom Marshman at Mayfest 2022 – photo: courtesy of the artist
The friendship spanned several decades, as the pair mutually found fame and success, and they remained close until Williams’ death in 1988.
Looking back on their particular ‘shining intimacy’, Marshman is afforded the chance to reignite his own – with Thornton, his former dear friend and collaborator whom he also used to confide in, live and socialise with.
It’s a moving examination of the performer in public and private realms, of the actor’s craft, and in Marshman’s words, of “how we go about ‘colouring in the words’”.
Tom Marshman – photo: courtesy of the artist
A Shining Intimacy is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on May 9-12 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
It also tours to the Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath on May 27 at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
Main photo: Jack Offord
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