The complexities of history, memory, and redemption are powerfully explored in Sarah Power’s new play, Welcome to Pemfort, currently running at the Soho Theatre in London. The production, which opened to critical acclaim, delves into the often-uneasy relationship between the past and the present, questioning how we reconcile historical trauma with the demands of contemporary entertainment. It’s a play that doesn’t offer effortless answers, instead prompting audiences to grapple with difficult questions about forgiveness, accountability, and the stories we choose to tell – and those we leave untold.
The play unfolds within the seemingly idyllic setting of Pemfort Castle, a living history site preparing for a new event. The castle staff, a quirky and endearing ensemble, are dedicated to bringing history to life for visitors. However, beneath the surface of meticulously researched reenactments and carefully curated displays lies a tension born from the castle’s darker past. Power’s script masterfully balances moments of lighthearted humor with a growing sense of unease, as the characters are forced to confront the uncomfortable truths that haunt their surroundings. The play’s central theme – the selective presentation of history – resonates deeply in a world increasingly grappling with issues of historical revisionism and cultural memory.
A Cast of Characters Navigating Troubled Waters
At the heart of Welcome to Pemfort are its compelling characters. Ali Hadji-Heshmati delivers a wonderfully precise performance as Glenn, the accuracy-obsessed castle employee determined to ensure the historical event is authentic. His dedication is challenged by Debra Gillett’s Uma, a more free-spirited colleague who suggests incorporating the castle’s more unsettling stories into the presentation. Lydia Larson portrays Ria, a character whose connection to the natural world provides a counterpoint to the historical focus, and whose gentle nature offers a glimmer of hope amidst the unfolding drama. The dynamic between these three characters establishes a compelling foundation for the play’s exploration of differing perspectives on history and remembrance.
The arrival of Kurtis, played with remarkable nuance by Sean Delaney, dramatically shifts the play’s trajectory. A former offender, Kurtis is attempting to rebuild his life and finds himself drawn to the community at Pemfort Castle. His presence forces the other characters – and the audience – to confront their own biases and assumptions about redemption and second chances. Delaney’s performance is particularly striking, portraying Kurtis as a man grappling with the weight of his past although simultaneously yearning for acceptance and connection. The play doesn’t shy away from the complexities of his situation, refusing to offer simplistic judgments or easy resolutions.
The Weight of the Past and the Performance of History
Director Ed Madden allows the silences within Power’s script to resonate, creating a palpable sense of tension and anticipation. The play’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully absorb the emotional weight of each revelation. Madden’s direction emphasizes the characters’ internal struggles, highlighting their vulnerability and their attempts to navigate a world haunted by the past. The staging, designed by Alys Whitehead, effectively captures the atmosphere of Pemfort Castle, creating a space that feels both inviting and unsettling. The set design, with its blend of historical artifacts and modern touches, underscores the play’s central theme of the interplay between past and present.
Welcome to Pemfort raises profound questions about the ethics of historical representation. The play suggests that simply presenting historical events as entertainment can be a form of erasure, diminishing the suffering of those who experienced them. The “medical leeching demonstration” mentioned in the play serves as a stark example of this tension, highlighting the absurdity of turning a painful practice into a spectacle. Power’s script challenges audiences to consider the responsibility that comes with interpreting and sharing history, urging us to acknowledge the complexities and contradictions inherent in the past.
Casting and Production Details
The cast of Welcome to Pemfort includes Ali Hadji-Heshmati as Glenn, Debra Gillett as Uma, Lydia Larson as Ria, and Sean Delaney as Kurtis. The play is directed by Ed Madden, with design by Alys Whitehead. According to Love London Love Culture, casting was confirmed earlier this month, generating significant buzz within the theatre community. Further details about the production team and the Soho Theatre’s season can be found on their official website. The play’s run at the Soho Theatre is scheduled to continue through April 11, 2026, offering audiences ample opportunity to experience this thought-provoking work.
The play’s exploration of trauma and forgiveness is particularly relevant in today’s social and political climate. As societies around the world grapple with issues of historical injustice and systemic inequality, Welcome to Pemfort offers a timely and nuanced meditation on the challenges of reconciliation. The play doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does provide a space for dialogue and reflection, encouraging audiences to confront their own complicity in perpetuating harmful narratives. It’s a play that stays with you long after the curtain falls, prompting you to question your own understanding of history and your role in shaping the future.
The critical reception of Welcome to Pemfort has been overwhelmingly positive. The Guardian hailed the play as a “shattering study of living history,” praising its nuanced characters and its unflinching exploration of difficult themes. Other critics have lauded Power’s writing for its intelligence and emotional depth, and Delaney’s performance for its raw vulnerability. The play’s success is a testament to the power of theatre to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and foster empathy.
Welcome to Pemfort is more than just a play. it’s a conversation starter. It’s a reminder that history is not a static entity, but a constantly evolving narrative shaped by our choices and interpretations. It’s a call to action, urging us to engage with the past in a more critical and compassionate way. As the characters at Pemfort Castle grapple with the weight of their history, they offer a powerful lesson about the importance of remembering, acknowledging, and learning from the mistakes of the past.
The play concludes with a sense of ambiguity, leaving the audience to ponder the fate of the characters and the implications of their choices. Notice no easy resolutions, no neat endings. Instead, Power offers a glimpse of hope, suggesting that even in the face of profound trauma, healing and reconciliation are possible. The final scene serves as a poignant reminder that the past is never truly past, but that it can be transformed into something meaningful and enduring.
Tickets for Welcome to Pemfort at the Soho Theatre are available through the theatre’s website. The play is expected to continue its run through April 11, 2026, offering audiences a limited opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed production. Don’t miss the chance to see this powerful and thought-provoking play that is sure to spark conversation and challenge your perceptions of history.
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