Heart Productions

 “Frank Bramwell’s extraordinary retro piece of work closely resembles one of the autobiographical works of Tennessee Williams . . . in act two it really starts crackling and turns into a full scale Southern Gothic melodrama.” Whatsonstage Aline Waites

 “This uniquely American small town tale of money, politics, religion and family life, more than lives up to the USA’s grandest traditions of household drama.” Time Out Rob Hastings

 “Thematically rich, the play deals with pride, love, duty and the pursuit of dreams, always with an underlying sense of melancholy . . .”  The Stage Francesca Whiting

 “Set in America during the recession of 1958, Frank Bramwell’s beautiful and absorbing play has particular resonance in today’s economic climate.” The Stage Francesca Whiting

 “Frank Bramwell's play Shooting Clouds is a sharply observed social drama with a very topical overtone.”
In SE1 Fiona Doyle

 “Fine performances from the whole cast actually match the qualities of a deftly nuanced script”
Time Out Rob Hastings

 “A poignant and thought provoking play . . .” Remote Goat Stephan Ernst

All 6 actors were commended for their strong performances:

“However it's really the acting that makes this production so memorable. The performances are of an exceptionally high calibre and while Bret Jones is the stand out, Jennifer Belander puts in a superbly touching performance in a role that is much subtler and altogether more demanding.” Remote Goat Stephan Ernst

"All six members of the cast offer some strong performances.” In SE1 Fiona Doyle

“Arnaud Mugglestone's direction gets strong performances from everyone . . .” British Theatre Guide Howard Loxton

“Bret Jones is marvellously creepy as the banker and part-time sanctimonious preacher Donald.” The Stage Francesca Whiting

“In particular, Thomas Coombes brings just the right amount of deviousness and wit to his role as the jealous younger brother, Gilbert, while Mariam Bell is compelling in her role as the gentle Ann.”
In SE1 Fiona Doyle

“Jennifer Belander delivers a compelling performance as Mary, the cheerful wife and mother who puts on a brave face . . .” The Stage Francesca Whiting

“Will is played by the very personable Damian Sommerlad.” Whatsonstage Aline Waites

“ . . . an underlying sense of melancholy that is beautifully encapsulated by Francis Kennedy as John, the wounded father who falls out with his first-born.” The Stage Francesca Whiting

Direction and Design came in for particular praise:

“Arnaud Mugglestone’s deft direction keeps the action fresh and lively . . .” The Stage Francesca Whiting

 “Shooting Clouds is well directed by Arnauld Mugglestone and the multiple set design is highly effective with a real sense of Fifties kitsch.” Remote Goat Stephan Ernst

 “Bramwell's narrative is both poignant and humorous and is reinforced by Arnaud Mugglestone's neat direction.” In SE1 Fiona Doyle

“Edward Lidster's thoughtful stage design should be commended for making great use of the Union Theatre's flexible space. While the set for the most part is a realistic one, his decision to suspend an arresting array of empty picture frames gives the whole piece an extra symbolic dimension as the narrative unfolds.” In SE1 Fiona Doyle

Overall, a most satisfactory evening of Total Theatre:

 “Shooting Clouds is an accomplished and engaging play made all the more so considering the current economic climate we are experiencing.”  In SE1 Fiona Doyle

 "Touching story of shattered dreams" Remote Goat Stephan Ernst