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.