Taking on an additional job role is a story familiar to many, this offering a means of survival, as well as helping to support with the attainment of any aspirations held. With the rise of the delivery sector, in particular the takeaway industry symbolic of our cultural shift from the traditional phone call to your local takeaway restaurant to now accessing a variety restaurants at the click of a button, we live in the age of convenience. An exploration of the eponymous food delivery rider’s day to day, Rainer vividly offers insight into the ups and downs of her personal and professional world.
Courtesy of Olivia Spencer.
In amongst the unpredictable encounters around London as she completes her takeaway shifts, Rainer juggles interactions with her family, working relentlessly towards getting her writing published, gaining support for her mental health and possibly opening up to love once more. The show’s anecdotal core instantly relatable, one that many can instantly place ourselves in and picture, which has us rooting for our lead. Max Wilkinson writing a raw, comical, loquacious piece responsive to where we’re currently at culturally, Rainer’s voice an important one to hear onstage.
Sorcha Kennedy’s vibrant as Rainer, breathing life into her story, unapologetic and brazen, she divulges the realities of her job role, the unpredictable nature of it, the number of hours needed to be worked in order to get by, level of fitness and resilience needed to travel around London amongst other things. Nico Rao Pimparé directing a quietly ambitious piece, one where Kennedy takes on the various roles of those in her personal, as well as professional life – the vibrancy of London caught on the Arcola Outside space – sounds from the main road nearby an unplanned yet essential facet to the evening, marrying up well with the show’s crux. An unapologetic one woman show giving a much needed voice to the many who work within the delivery sector – an insightful watch.
Review written by Lucy Basaba.
Rainer was shown from Wednesday 1st until Saturday 18th June 2022 at the Arcola Theatre. To find out more about the production, visit here..
For our interview with writer Max Wilkinson, visit here…
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