By: Rachael Brink
Admittedly, most of the shows at the Fringe are comedies of some sort. There are funny plays, stand up shows, and comedians. The show “Where Do Little Birds Go?” is, however, an exception to this normality. This performance features one woman who plays the role of Lucy Fuller, an 18-year old sex worker who was kidnapped by 1960’s gangsters the Kray twins. The story takes the audience on a journey through how Lucy ended up in London and later on, in the apartment where she was held captive. Her story is mostly interpretation by the writers and director of the play, because there is little acknowledgement of Lucy in any written works about the Kray twins.
Admittedly, most of the shows at the Fringe are comedies of some sort. There are funny plays, stand up shows, and comedians. The show “Where Do Little Birds Go?” is, however, an exception to this normality. This performance features one woman who plays the role of Lucy Fuller, an 18-year old sex worker who was kidnapped by 1960’s gangsters the Kray twins. The story takes the audience on a journey through how Lucy ended up in London and later on, in the apartment where she was held captive. Her story is mostly interpretation by the writers and director of the play, because there is little acknowledgement of Lucy in any written works about the Kray twins.
source: https://files.list.co.uk/images/2015/07/14/where-do-little-birds-go-edinburgh-fringe-2015-courtesy-camilla-whitehill-1-lst175483.jpg
The captivating one-woman show features music from the 1960’s, which helps set the time period of the play. One song in particular led me nearly to tears. Lucy was been kidnapped by the Kray twins and kept in a flat as a sex slave for escaped convict, Frank Mitchell. As her relationship with Frank begins to grow, Lucy realizes that Frank has the mind of a child. She pities him, but she has no other option except to stay with him. As she assesses her situation caught in a flat with a convicted murderer, she begins to sing “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys. For me, that put an entirely new meaning on the song. Lucy could have continued working, made money, and completed her dream of becoming a famous singer. All of this was hindered by her captive situation. Lucy, however, makes the best of her situation by attempting to enjoy the company of her fellow inmate, Frank. Around Christmas time, the Kray twins arrange for a few of their gang members to take Frank in a van to their fantasy cabin away from the city. Frank follows along, without Lucy, and is shot to death in the van. Lucy is then released. She returns to the club where she previously worked and was allowed to sing on stage.
Although very dark at times, the play offered a satisfyingly uplifting conclusion. This refreshing drama connects with modern day issues of sex trafficking. Also, the play connects with the audience through the amazing 1960’s soundtrack and Lucy’s youthful personality. Overall, I felt “Where Do Little Birds Go?” was my favorite play during the entirety of the Fringe.
Although very dark at times, the play offered a satisfyingly uplifting conclusion. This refreshing drama connects with modern day issues of sex trafficking. Also, the play connects with the audience through the amazing 1960’s soundtrack and Lucy’s youthful personality. Overall, I felt “Where Do Little Birds Go?” was my favorite play during the entirety of the Fringe.
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