Cheshire Cats

The scenario of six girls planning a moonlight walk in memory of loved ones in order to raise funds for a cancer charity does not seem a likely candidate for a light-hearted comedy. However, this is a very well written play that has been chosen by this society and performed to extract all the laughs and amusement from the wordy dialogue interspersed with some soliloquies from the fund-raising girls.  The name, “Cheshire Cats” comes from the outfits for the walk, being headbands with cats’ ears and eyebrows.

The leader and motivator in the group is Hilary (Jeanette Fido) who does her utmost to encourage the girls through the physical challenges of the walk. Eager and helpful Vicki (Justine Potter) was happy to be led by Hilary but knew when to suggest to her to curb her enthusiasm when Siobhan (Helen Chewter) and Yvonne (Lizzie Gibson) found things hard going. Siobhan was also a peacemaker when conversations became a bit heated and was able to help Yvonne  when she bacame frustrated as things became apparent that it would not be a girls only event - she just wanted a man free and child free break. The problem was that Vicky’s sister was unable to take part so she brought along her new boyfriend, Andrew (Martin Sworn) complete with a costume to match the girls’ outfits. The sixth member of the team was Maggie (Laura Thornett), who was a little unfit and found the training hard going. In the second half, as the girls struggle to complete the thirteen miles, some of the comedic dialogue transfers to the street marshalls, police, volunteers and a drunken man en route.

The wordy dialogue was executed with precision, conviction and feeling. The five girls’ soliloquies concluded at the end of the evening with Maggie’s speech. This was a very moving piece of prose and could have brought, and probably did bring, a tear to the eyes of some of the audience.

Congratulations to the director, all the actors, backstage crew, lighting and sound operators. I enjoyed this very funny and reflective piece of theatre. 

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