The trouble with a theatre production is that it is ephemeral. Once the last curtain falls, there is little left by which to remember it. Therefore, it is wonderful to see an exhibition of photographs about the making of Finders Keepers - an ambitious show involving up to 100 young people and adults with learning difficulties staged by Benchtours Theatre Company at Aberdeen's Lemon Tree in early December.

The pictures, by Edinburgh-based marc marnie, who specialises in theatre and music photography, are striking, uncompromising images. Marnie depicts scenes from the production and unguarded backstage moments. Neither performers nor production team were safe from his penetrating lens. Playwright John Harvey is captured frowning at his half-written script amid a sea of coffee mugs.

These are candid photographs which do not try to conceal the disabilities of many of those involved. But, as such, they speak all the more clearly of the transformative power of the stage. One young girl, in a supported wheelchair, is clearly not able to move much, but her face is alive with the joy of the moment.

The one regret is that it is not possible to show in one exhibition everyone who took part in Finders Keepers.

(Susan Mansfield, Aberdeen Press & Journal January 2001)