If you ever need a tangible representation of an authentic and genuine community arts organisation then Studio 3 Arts is the place to bet. Whether you’ve visited before or not you’re guaranteed to be welcomed with a smile from the friendly staff and other visitors.
CLOUT! Festival launched by Studio 3 Arts is London’s newest fringe arts festival (watch out Edinburgh) with over 20 performances spanning over two weeks there’s no doubt you’ll find something to challenge your mind-set, inspire and also a great opportunity to meet new people too.
Thursday 19 July, Francesca Bailey kicked off the evening with the comical, realistic and honest portrayal of modern dating. As it’s become a 21st century phenomenon where everyone knows someone who’s on a dating app and if you don’t it’s because you’re that person yourself. Francesca’s character is someone who is says it how it is yet the compliments become a hard pill to swallow, showing small signs of vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness though her character gently allows her guard to drop down while having a conversation with her date.
The play could definitely be developed into a longer piece of work relatable for today’s modern society as it was realistic and probes into our obsession with technology and the current movement. I mean who hasn’t appeared to make themselves more interesting for some sort of beneficial gain whether personally or financially?
Danielle Vitallis found the key balance between comical skits and a serious tone which from the offset left you wanting to know more. The piece was snippets into what could have easily been a longer production covering wide topics such as loneliness and individualism. Vitallis filled up the stage with her energy, impersonation of friend Michaela and her Jamaican Mother. Touching upon all types of relationships with friends, family and potential partners the script balances out how we deal with our emotions in a logical and honest format which I believe is easily relatable no matter where you’re from. I found myself laughing knowing the words being spoken were the truth. Particularly at the Jasmine Sullivan rendition of ‘Bust Your Windows‘ because let’s admit it, who hasn’t had a moment when they’ve been dating someone and found out they weren’t 100% truthful and have been filled with anger enough to make you feel like that. Why as individuals do we find ourselves not admitting when we’re ok? Or burying our problems to accommodate to others. I’d love to see this performance again, and without the comfort blanket of the script as it was an excellent piece of writing which definitely deserves multiple of audiences to enjoy and take in it’s message.
The last and final performance came with a bang of all surprises, drinking Lambrini like it’s 1999 to McDonald’s chips being thrown around and dancing around to classic garage tunes from the 90s. The performance was titled ‘Chav’ which you may have your own assumptions on the words, meeting typical stereotypes from big hooped earrings and coming from a certain area. Kelly Greene definitely takes apart the stereotypes and makes you think about what is class? When do you graduate and become ‘midde/upper’ class? (As we all know these things can’t be taught) yet Kelly defines the odds and through her informative performance manages to engage audiences throughout with a variety of outfit changes and breaking every part of the fourth wall. 
The beautiful about each performance was how it made me feel during and after. I was inspired and learnt something new from their craft, yet I also was left for wanting a bit more.
Tickets for CLOUT! Festival are available here – you won’t be disappointed!