Show Pony, directed by Jordan Tweddle and written by Lee Mattinson, is now officially entering the film festival circuit, bringing with it a bold, darkly humorous dive into the fluid and complex nature of trauma, memory, and healing. The film mixes offbeat humour with surreal twists, offering a fun and thought-provoking look at how we confront our darkest memories.
The Story
The film follows Malcolm, a former West End actor whose life was forever changed after surviving a harrowing on-stage triple homicide attempt. Now, he leads an unconventional improvisational therapy class, where he invites participants to reenact and alter their most painful memories. His belief is simple yet radical: by revisiting trauma and changing its outcome, we can regain control over our past. What follows is a surreal journey where memory, reality, and imagination collide.
Director Jordan Tweddle explains, “I was interested in the fragile, fluid nature of traumatic memory—how it warps and distorts. Trauma memories aren’t static snapshots; they are ever-shifting, blending the real with the imagined, as the mind replays fragments over and over.”
This concept of memory as a malleable, ever-evolving force is at the heart of Show Pony, as the characters grapple with their pasts in unexpected and often humorous ways. The film explores how our most painful experiences can be both deeply rooted in reality and open to reinterpretation.
A Surreal Space for Healing
A standout feature of Show Pony is its use of “white space”—a blank, transformative canvas in which memories can be re-enacted and revised. Tweddle describes, “I created the idea of ‘white space’ as a counterpoint to the grounded, often harsh reality of the therapy room. In this white space, anything is possible. It’s where the characters navigate the fine line between revisiting painful memories and reimagining them.”
The “white space” allows the characters to explore and reframe their memories, transforming painful experiences into moments of possibility. However, even in this space of freedom, the consequences of altering those memories remain uncertain, adding a playful tension to the process.
The Ensemble Cast
Show Pony thrives on its talented ensemble cast, each member bringing a unique energy and depth to the film. Richard Dixon plays Malcolm, the former actor turned therapist, whose unconventional methods both challenge and inspire the participants of his therapy class. The class members include Mark Rogerson (Daniel), Briony Davies (Fiona), Katherine Littrell (H), Samuel Young (Paul), Llewyn Ayres (Simon), Jane Pratt (Val), and Helen Goldie (Janet)—a colourful group of individuals whose personalities and memories collide in unexpected and often hilarious ways.
The chemistry between the cast members is outstanding, with each actor contributing to the film’s quirky, offbeat tone. The ensemble’s interplay creates a mix of humour, vulnerability, and tension, making Show Pony both a fun and deeply resonant watch.
The Creative Team
Behind the camera, the Show Pony creative team has crafted a visually dynamic and emotionally engaging film. Written by Lee Mattinson, whose sharp script blends dark humour with moments of profound insight, the film is perfectly complemented by Helen Lyon’s evocative score, which enhances both the absurdity and the intensity of the characters’ journeys. Cinematographer Chris Chapman’s striking visuals capture the fluidity of memory, while Assistant Director Ellie Rose ensured that the film’s ambitious vision was executed with precision.
Tweddle expresses his pride in the project, saying, “I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for all the dedication, talent, and heart you put into Show Pony. It’s been a long journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created together.”
The Festival Journey Begins
With its festival submissions now underway, Show Pony is ready to make waves in the film circuit. “Festival submissions are a big, and often expensive, endeavour,” says Tweddle, “but it’s an exciting one, too. We’ll keep you updated on any wins and feedback as they come in—I’ll be sharing any news of selections, feedback, and festival highlights with all of you.”
Show Pony invites audiences to reflect on the nature of trauma and memory and the power of rewriting our stories. With its darkly humorous tone, a rich ensemble cast, and a striking visual style, Show Pony is poised to make a powerful impact on the festival circuit this year.
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