Call Me Dusty

I looked forward to seeing this new production from LIDOS - and they didn't  disappoint!  What a show!

The smaller, intimate Studio of the Carriageworks was a perfect setting for the  life and times of Dusty Springfield, the iconic 60's soul singer, the era that for people of my generation remember with such affection - when we threw off the shackles of the 'older' folk and invented mini-skirts, white boots, back- combed hair and tights (thats just the girls!).

The writer, Derek Webb, had become interested in Dusty's story after reading an article about her life. He has woven a tale, taking us from Dusty's childhood, her time with brother Tom and the Springfields, the hard slog pursuing a solo career, her decline into alcohol and drug abuse and her untimely death in her 40's. The musical sections were all taken from Dusty's own recordings and each piece led us cleverly into the different stages of her life.

The part of Dusty was played brilliantly by Jane Collins, an amazing 'tour de force' - beginning as a 12 year old school girl, Mary O'Brien, in glasses, the 'butterfly' emerging from the 'chrysalis' as she became the artist we all knew so well - Jane so caught the essence of Dusty in her speech, look and song, it was truly uncanny. I almost feel Jane could have sung the songs 'live', it would have been even more amazing!

She was supported by a small company of 7 actors, who each played many diverse roles, encapsulating the stages of Dusty's life. All these actors are, I know, principals in their own right (Shirley Hoyland, Kirsty Burns, Gillian Myers, Graham Siddle, Richard Hunt, Matthew Jones and Martin Isbister, making a  videoed appearance). They made a most professional contribution.

The production was intelligently directed by Bryan Craven, who made the most of the small playing area with minimal set - he was supported by an extremely talented backstage crew, who brought the show to life with clever lighting,sound, authentic props and visual effects. I must make a special mention of the costumes by Carolyn Craven (so hard to source 60's clothes) and Jane's personal dresser, Mandi Rugg - an exhausting task, I'm sure, as Jane flew from gymslip to sequins in lightening speed!

The evening I attended was also the performance that the writer had been invited to ( it was kept a secret from the cast!).  Derek was very touched by the performance - and rightly so. This play with music, once again has shown us that LIDOS has such a great reputation in Leeds. As the Studio only allows for approximately 60 audience members at each performance, there will have been a lot of theatre-goers disappointed at not seeing such an excellent piece of theatre.

I was one of the lucky ones - I had a most enjoyable and nostalgic evening, one that I will remember for a very long time.

Now I will have to go away and reminisce about the old days to someone as old as me........!

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