Bothered and Bewildered

"Bothered and Bewildered" is a comedy-drama play written by Gail Young and first produced in 2006. The play revolves around a middle-aged woman named Irene, who has been diagnosed with dementia. Her two daughters, Beth and Louise, are struggling to care for her as her condition worsens, and they must navigate the challenges of her illness while also dealing with their own personal issues.

The play explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the challenges of being a caregiver and dealing with the emotional toll of watching a loved one's mental and physical health decline. It also touches on issues such as loneliness, identity, and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in the face of illness. Additionally, the play examines the impact of dementia, not only on the individual affected, but also on their family members and caregivers. It portrays the difficulties and frustrations that can arise when caring for someone with dementia, as well as the moments of tenderness and connection that can make the experience rewarding.

The part of Irene was played by Ann Thompson. Her portrayal of the character was thoughtful, detailed and well executed. You could believe in her portrayal and relate yourself to the actions and reactions Ann would make to her situation.

Beth was nicely played by Jenny Schofield. Her relationship with her mother is bound to be difficult to convey given the complex and changing nature of it, but Jenny did a good job with this.

Louise was played by Hannah Fishwick - her character reacted well to the difficult circumstances presented by the mother-daughter relationship, sheer joy, exasperation, tears and self doubt etched into every nuance of her performance.

Beth and Louise had to handle the traumatic deterioration in health with both alarming and some touchingly comedic moments in this. Outbursts and anger coming from the mother and the subsequent reactions were handled very honestly and believably. I really think Jenny and Hannah took to their parts very well here.

An unusual element in this play was the part of Barbara Cartland, played beautifully by Barbara Springthorpe. Barbara was only “visible” to Irene and they shared a lot of conversations. What a charming and funny way to display the dialogue that can go on between yourself and an imaginary other person in your head. She captured the character delightfully and I enjoyed seeing their interactions as Barbara tried to gently lead her astray, or bring her into line, as the situation needed.

A flashback moment in the play was with the characters of “Young Irene” and “Jim”, played well by Matt Berry and Georgia Cassarino. Their early loving moments nicely depicted while present day Irene and Barbara Cartland looked on.

This story arc leads on to the depiction of a child being lost to adoption and we can feel the sudden gut-wrenching loss across the audience by the way it was played.

Phil Cooper played the consultant and Policeman in this production and he handled the job comfortably and well and helped these scenes come to life.

Staging was simple and effective, all on the stage of the Coronation Hall in Ulverston, with good use of furniture and props. Lighting and sound were good, with every word clear.

I think the director, Pat Timewell, should be very pleased with this production. It caught my emotions and worked very well. It was believable, poignant, funny, heart-warming but with those clear marks of loss. It was well received by the audience and I think the Outsiders did a really good job with this. If I were to pick on anything, I think the pace and delivery earlier on in the play, around the NHS consultation scenes, were a little weaker and it made me a little uneasy about what we’d be getting in the rest of the play - this may have been intentional - who knows how any of us would reaction in a situation like this - but this really picked up once the actors had warmed up.

A common problem I think, but not one that detracted from the overall piece.

Well done, Ulverson Outsiders, on such a well presented piece and thank you for your hospitality.

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