TRASHedy Review - Louisa Cox

The Peterborough audience were delighted to view ‘Trashedy’. ‘Trashedy’ was performed by multi-acclaimed theatre company Performing:group. ‘Trashedy’ explores the impact of consumerism in a chaotic, risky society due to the environmental climate crisis, giving the audience opportunity to change.

A particular aspect of the performance which gave me the tools to advocate for change is the segment which explains how the audience are given a choice who they give their money to, similar in the decisions we make when voting for a government. For example, individuals have a choice whether to give money to large corporations. After leaving the show, walking around the Peterborough city, I found myself reflecting on ways I could make a change, for example through making a conscious choice/’vote’ as to what corporations I support. Theatre is a creative way to share research and ideas with others about our world and Performing:group has portrayed this with ease.

The show utilised physical theatre movements which captivated the complexity of society. For example, bodies were used to create a monkey to move around the audience, leaving the young audience in hysterics. Further, movements were used to show how our bodies are slumped over our laptops in a fast-paced, technological world. Whilst ‘Trashedy’ began in 2013, these scenes felt more apt than ever in 2025 during a post-COVID digital world.

‘Trashedy’ allowed me to think personally and politically. It made me consider how personal responsibility has an impact on consumer culture, in a technological, political, environmental and media-saturated society. Children, young people and adults must work together to ensure messages and knowledge are passed on, therefore theatre is the ideal backdrop to portray society.

Trashedy received stellar reviews from the audience, which was thoroughly deserved. Trashedy was hilarious and comical, with powerful, thought-provoking messages, allowing the audience to change the environmental landscape.

TRASHedy review - Jen Ramm

A brilliant fusion of movement, sound and comedy, Trashedy confronts us with the growing significance of being more eco conscious.

Rhythmic, fluid dance sequences conveyed the monotony of everyday life, but took into consideration just how much waste the average person produces; Trashedy confronts us with the realities of our consumer-driven habits and the environmental consequences they carry. At one point, plastic cups are strewn all over the floor following an impressive, albeit chaotic, routine that mirrors the overwhelming accumulation of waste in our daily lives. It’s a striking visual metaphor; Trashedy managed to weave the theme of environmentalism tactfully into every step. The actors of performing:group, the ensemble who put the show together, are then left with the aftermath as they explore with the audience how our habits shape the world around us.

Comedic sections injected lightness into the show, even including audience participation, leading to ripples of laughter amongst the audience despite the heavy subject matter. Alongside this, we learn more about the processes involved in mass production, from factory lines to packaging to meat production, illustrated in a hand drawn video. Personally, I will always advocate for shopping secondhand for items such as clothing, for the simple fact that it’s better for the planet - and as Trashedy highlights in its own unique way, there is no planet B. Except, the show doesn’t preach this - it performs.

It’s relatively easy to relax in a theatre, laugh, and forget all of your worries for a while, but shows like Trashedy carry a message about our world that is too powerful to be glossed over; its meaning stayed with me, even after I’d walked out of The Key Theatre doors.

TRASHedy: A powerful call to action for environmental stewardship through laughter and reflection

Review by Maleeha Iqbal

In a world increasingly defined by environmental crises and rapid overconsumption, TRASHedy takes the stage and becomes a powerful platform for reflection and advocacy. Two performers take us on an eye-opening and chaotic journey through a consumer-driven world, making us question how much waste we will leave behind and what our contribution to this world is.

Through the art of movement, their bodies intertwined to share the depths of the vicious cycle the environment goes through time and time again. In the beginning scene, the animals are brought to life to live and breathe in their habitat and roam the world freely. But they face obstacles and barriers due to habitat destruction, pollution, deforestation, and overconsumption.

While watching the play, I was taken aback by how some of our daily tasks or leisure time could be somewhat impacting our environment in a negative way. Like online shopping, using petrol, or simply having the latest iPhone. So throughout the play, I became mindful of what I spend my money on, and the little ways I can contribute to protect my environment.

The storytelling was well crafted yet unapologetically funny. Props, lighting, and music contributed to telling such an innovative story. In one of the scenes, the animal is being forced to drink out of paper cup.sOnee cup leads to 3 cups leads to 10 cups leads to 15 cups and so on these cups then are thrown onto the stage floor, signifying a heap of mess and how much harmful waste is created every day. Audience engagement seemed to be a priority in spreading the message. Throughout the scenes, we would see the actor and actress use an audience member's shoe or phone as a prop, building a personal connection with the audience.

Towards the end of the play, we listen to our voice memo recorded by the two performers, discussing how they are going to convey their message through the play, but in their own unconventional and unique way. This was quite a special moment for us as the audience because we were able to get a glimpse into their creative process and the very beginning chapters.

As someone who has watched a handful of plays in her time, I found TRASHedy to be a memorable play as it made me think, laugh, and reflect.