The Last Post
A curious love story between a redundant Post Master and the irrepressible heiress of an international pen-palling agency.
Kilter believes that thoughtful slow communication can lead to healthier, happier lives. In this uncertain age for the postal industry, we also want to promote local Post Offices and Post People that tie communities together. Kilter often makes work about the changing environment and the uncertain future ahead. The Last Post gently approaches some subtle ways in which we can personally adapt and perhaps be better prepared.
Touring theatre to unusual locations breaks down boundaries that prevent people from enjoying live performance. It also reduces the number of car journeys made into cultural centres.
When MSO 451 rolls into town and opens up its sides, all are welcome to climb inside and rummage through the files and pigeon-holes. As Kilter tours, the collection of letters continues to grow and irresistibly draw in visitors.
The tale unfolds accompanied by “harmony-drenched, melancholy-tinged” live music. 18 bums squeeze onto 18 seats in our bespoke vanatorium, known as Mobile Sorting Office 451.
Mobile Sorting Office (MSO) 451 is a bright red Luton van crammed with retro-chic details from a much travelled life, a thousand items of real mail and a limitless collection of stationery and letter writing accoutrements. There is also a sherry decanter and a ping-pong set…
Audience Reactions
“…part elegy for a slower way of life, part celebration of epistolatory fun – the intimacy & authenticity of Kilter’s performance make for an evening that may cause you to rethink how you connect with others.”
- Lynne Locker, Bath & North East Somerset Council
“inventive, funny, visually engaging, well constructed, intimate, quirky yet accessible for all. Full of surprises and surprising characters. Unusual but not alienating. Sophisticated but not impenetrable.”
- Kate Cross, the egg
“...utterly charming… a wistful paean to more slower forms of communication and the importance of making connections. [Kilter] are tackling big issues but doing so with an incredibly light touch.”
- Belinda Dillon, Exeunt Magazine.
“You guys do what needs to be done but no else thinks of it… or maybe has the courage to do”
- Audience Member
“You guys rock! This is not like normal theatre, you’re so wacky and cool, it’s much better than normal. By the way you are all really good actors. PS today’s my 11th birthday.”
-Audience Member
The Last Post Emporium
A stunning detailed installation in our lovingly converted luton lorry – crammed to the rafters with letter writing accoutrements and undeliverable mail: vintage typewriters; quills & ink-pots; perhaps a long anticipated love letter with half your name on it.
Great Aunt Sofya welcomes visitors for a glass of sherry & a reminisce about the dying art and etiquette of letter-writing. Meanwhile her good friend, Mrs (Penny) Black, sets up new members with a correspondent from the real life, working Friends for Pens PenPal Exchange Scheme.
Letter Writing Tuition runs on an ad hoc, drop in basis or bespoke sessions can be arranged. Everyone can write and send a unique hand written letter with our bespoke stationery and our functioning on-board post-box!
Pick up a pen, write a letter, take a chance…
