A Monstrous Regiment of Women

“A Monstrous Regiment of Women” is a specially commissioned piece by writer Alan Bissett telling the story of Caroline Phillips a young woman born and bred in Kintore, Aberdeenshire who in 1899 became the first female journalist on the Aberdeen Daily Journal (one of only 66 in the United Kingdom) and a the leader of the Aberdeen Branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union from 1907-1909. She however disagreed with the Pankhurst’s “deed not words” policy preferring to use political means to gain suffrage for women leading to her clashing with them and finally leaving the party. In a first for me I was asked to leave the venue before the play began – not because of something I had done – but to join a demonstration outside in which some members of the cast gave speeches for and against votes of women. We were then led back into an Old Time Music Hall setting by a group of “Votes for Women” placard waving women. On very simple set we were then treated to an excellent evening of words and music in both English and Doric. The two white tie and tails clad MC’s (Imogen Watt and Jordan Abberley-Nicoll) got the audience into the era with a delightful medley of Music Hall favourites and then proceeded to introduce the characters of the piece with plenty of humour in their banter. EmmaThomson as the lead character of Caroline Phillips was excellent in her portrayal of a young woman frustrated by the lack of opportunities given to her simply because of her gender and in her determination to do something about it. In this she was aided by Callie Birnie as suffragette Lady Agnes Ramsay in a strong, measured performance. Pamela Green as the formidable Emmeline Pankhurst owned the stage in her every appearance – definitely not a woman to be trifled with! Her lead in the Act 1 finale of “You Don’t Own Me” was magnificent. Strong support was given by Alison Sandison and Stephen Henderson (Mr & Mrs Phillips), Mikey Nicolls(James Phillips, Caroline’s journalist brother), Lola Brown (Adela Pankhurst), Millie Goodyear (Christabel Pankhurst) Freya H T Wilson(Sylvia Pankhurst) and Andrew Saunders (Mr Maxwell the Newspaper Editor). Mention too must be made of the Knitting Group ladies Jessie Martin, Katie Lister, Amy McIntosh and Eilidh Swanston in their portrayal of ordinary working class “wifies”. The music chosen by Alisdair and Rhona reflected the theme of the piece beautifully ranging from “Marching All Over Scottish Land” (specially written lyrics to the traditional tune Bonnie Lass O’ Fyvie O’) to Abba’s “Winner Takes It All” and Adele’s “Chasing pavements” to Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The singing, supported by a 3-piece band, by the principals and company alike was very strong and the harmonies in Alisdair’s arrangements came across well especially in the finale number “Quiet”. Movement was also first class as has become expected from this talented group. Costuming by Liz Cork was spot on for the era with particular use made of the suffragette colours of green, purple and white. Congratulations to everyone involved for an entertaining and educational evening.

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