High Street History Bought to Life

Tales from the High Street - Leonards of Rochester

3rd – 5th April 2026

Medway Play Lab.

Written by Nic Lamont & Kate Mechedou @medwayplaylabcic

Music by Matthew Fisher @folksyfisher

Set Design by Claire Rowlands @claire.j.rowlands

 

In the Spotlites – review by Kieron Riddell

A Play telling the story of a department store that occupied much of Rochester High Street for over 80 years, bringing its history and the living memory of the store to life.

It has been said by many through the years that anywhere can be a performance space, a sentiment this show takes a step further by performing in the very room that is significant to the memory it re-tells.

 

It is clear from the moment we arrive that we are in for an immersive experience, welcomed at the door of Store 104, the first of many shops in Rochester formally owned by the Leonards family, we are greeted by a committed shop assistant Miss Honey (Nic Lamont). As we then traverse the shop we see glimpses of moments from the past unfold before us, played out by members of the Medway Play Lab Improv troupe. As I stood watching a man discuss the purchase of a new hat, I heard other audience members sharing their memories of Leonards, while Gossip was shared by the formidable Mrs Strout (Kate Mechedou).

 

We are invited upstairs for breakfast by Mr Leonard (David Sayers) himself, where the story begins with a hoorah to the opening of the store in 1880.

This is a heartfelt performance that takes us on the rollercoaster of the ups and downs, Mechedou delivers a big presence that commands the space, giving depth and nuance to Mrs Strout, so much more is said than just the words. All three of the lead cast multi role, Lamont shines here flexing her versatility, defined characterisation and comic timing the pair share a deeply touching moment between women confined by social expectation that struck a chord, combined with the well-considered writing and beautiful song, ‘Closing time’ was a highlight. The double entendra of its melancholy reprise was bitter sweet.

 

An endearing portrayal of two generations of Mr Leonards is given by Sayers with verisimilitude, welcoming the audience into his joy and his tough decision making. The use of the Medway Play Lab improvisation troupe gave some charming, light-hearted energy that added to the feel of community the Leonards store had among its staff.

The recreation of Rochester High Streets Shop fronts, created by Clair Rowlands, was satisfying to see come together as the story of expansion unfolded.

 

Hearing recordings of people telling their memories of the store and the use of historic images from the archive prompted conversations between strangers about the areas heritage once the performance was over, I am sure that is exactly what this team set out to do. Connecting heritage with now, this also proved a great opportunity to showcase Store 104 and what they have to offer, a huge range of books and yarns and charming place for a coffee. The family feel of the business remains, I couldn’t help but notice the hight marks of the family who now operate this charming shop and cafe on the wall.

 

A well-crafted show about community, showcasing what the community has to offer.