'Everything has an impact, everything, everything. Even a tiny inconsequential something, like the melting of a single snowflake, can eventually lead to an avalanche...'
In our recent Salford Star Awards, we were delighted to present Best Play for The Things We Tell the Hours after Midnight by teenage, playwright, Libby Hall. It was a successful start for the Salfordian writer, with her debut piece also scooping a Fringe Festival award. Now Libby has a new play, The Melting of a Single Snowflake, ready for this year's Fringe Festival.
Last year was an incredible introduction to writing for Libby Hall. The awards and accolades were well deserved and have encouraged her to continue to write relatable drama. So, was she surprised by the reaction to her debut play ...
"Surprised and overwhelmed" she enthuses "It's given me a buzz and left me with an energy that hopefully I've brought to my new play."
The Melting of a Single Snowflake examines the lives of a group of young people that become friends during a summer holiday. Although the disparate bunch is thrown together on a holiday, they are soon unified by a tragic event. Libby explains how it all came about...
"Salford Arts Theatre made me their writer in residence and we had a conversation about me writing the next production for their young performers, which I was massively excited about as I enjoyed working with them so much on the last play" she says "From that conversation we started to workshop ideas with the actors around themes and characters and the plot was pretty much born from that process."
Libby seems to have a natural gift when it comes to relaying coming-of-age tales. The Melting of a Single Snowflake looks at the butterfly effect that events have on those in close proximity and how that can ultimately shape the lives of those involved.
This new piece delves into more atmospheric territory than her previous play: "Snowflake is darker, I think" she explains "The last play ended in hope, whereas Snowflake almost does that but changes its mind at the last second. It also looks at the psychology of individuals in a society, whereas my last play was more centred around exploring the workings of society as a whole...Both plays are quite similar in that they explore teen angst, and play with the idea that someone can be rooted in innocence but still embody a darkness...They also both have longwinded titles no one can ever remember, ha."
It's an interesting premise that centres on a curious bond and finding formed when a local boy goes missing. It results in a collective of outcasts becoming tight-knit and realising that the events of the summer will remain with them forever...
"I think a line from the synopsis which says 'thoroughly good people are capable of thoroughly wicked things' sums the play up best" Libby decides "The line is also used at some point in the play and I think it encompasses everything the play is about."
The Melting of a Single Snowflake is another opportunity to support fantastic new talent in great venue. A Fringe Fest must see.
The Melting of a Single Snowflake by Libby Hall
Wednesday 17th-Friday 19th July 7:30pm
Salford Arts Theatre
Kemsing Walk Off Tunbridge Square, off Liverpool St M5 4BS
Tickets £8 – to book click here or phone the box office on 0161 925 0111
Performed by Salford Arts Theatre's Young Performers Company
For details of all GM Fringe events - click here
Words by Ian Leslie
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