Pursuing Pleasure

Pursuing Pleasure does exactly what the title suggests, however, in truth the title should be delivering pleasure, as that is precisely what Piera Dennerstein does so well.

Dennerstein’s voice is sublime – utterly flawless, crisp, smooth and shrieking (meant as an absolute compliment) but Dennerstein’s truest talent is their endearing cheek and vulnerability.

Pursuing Pleasure ticks all the boxes of a one person show but from the opening moment it is Dennerstein who enchants the audience and unveils a story aching to be heard.

Weaving soaring vocals with the hard truths behind the Operatic world and the journey one can take to overcome painfully horrific abuse, Pursuing Pleasure draws the audience in as Dennerstein gently and with heartfelt honesty, cradles and excites them through her story.

Director Olivia Charalambous is masterful, keeping pace with a lively rhythm and an expert eye for detail. Charalambous allows the performance to breathe, holding the moments that need time and letting the cheeky unforeseen out of nowhere glorious live theatre moments shine through.

Pursuing Pleasure is operatic soup for the soul – delicate, strong, enticing and an absolute feast for the ears.