Cheshire Cats

The unique feature about the Cheshire cat is its ability to leave behind a smile even after the rest of its body has disappeared.  The same is true of this play, a comedy with something of a twist at the end reminding us of its serious side, yet with still fond memories of its humour for us to take away.

The writer, Gail Young, is new to me but her story of five women embarking on the London Moonwalk, a sort of girls’ night out in aid of breast cancer charities, no doubt has a firm basis in real-life events. Indeed, this year’s walk takes place only a few days after the performance here.

This production had some excellent performances with all the principals delivering their lines (and there were many of these) in a completely natural style.  Each of the ladies has an opportunity to take centre stage with a monologue, often in verse, explaining their own particular feelings in more detail.  They all have differing characteristics from the somewhat domineering Hilary (Enid Doyle) to the more thoughtful Maggie (Sarah Welborn), whose final words deliver a rather poignant thought. Then there is Vicky (Miranda Thew) whose recent dalliance with toy boy Andrew (Shane Huby)  introduces the sixth member of the walking team and the two of them clearly early enjoyed themselves, particularly when the latter has to take to a little cross-dressing to avoid problems in the otherwise all women’s event.  

To begin the second act with a class from the aerobics instructor (Bev Lyn) is surely unique in theatre and there were many other humorous touches too. Minor parts involving race marshalls, a handsome drunk and even a policeman who is ultimately responsible for a traffic accident all added to the fun. The unintelligible station announcements were amusing – and perhaps a warning to future visitors to Chester station!  The play is heavily dependent on dialogue rather than action to move the story along but the cast were equal to the task. Staging was simple with seating to depict a local park, the station and on a train; otherwise the action takes place on various parts of the walk with some amusing changes of the appropriate mileage points.  

If the concept is a little reminiscent of “Calendar Girls”, it is perhaps no more than a reminder of the way in which the disease can affect so many lives but both are plays which succeed in making the point in an entertaining way.  This was always likely to prove an appropriate choice for a group where ladies outnumber men but good houses during the run suggest it will have been a successful choice too, whilst collecting boxes available at the end should also benefit the local cancer charity.       

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