Cheshire Cats

Conquest Theatre's production of Cheshire Cats by Gail Young, directed by Karen Lloyd, was an outstanding blend of humour, sensitivity, and emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of a charity walk through London, the play offered a poignant yet light-hearted look at the challenges and camaraderie experienced by a group of women walking to raise awareness for breast cancer. Through excellent performances, creative set and costume design, and clever direction, the cast and crew delivered a production that was both entertaining and deeply moving.

At the heart of the show were the dynamic performances from the cast. Dani Worlock shone as Hilary, the domineering “Sergeant Major” of the team, whose transformation from a record-obsessed leader to a more empathetic and understanding figure was compelling. Dani skilfully portrayed Hilary’s emotional growth, particularly in the moments where she finally allowed herself to consider the feelings and struggles of her teammates. Her journey from single-minded ambition to personal revelation was both moving and believable.

Janet Rose as Siobhan provided a tender and grounding presence in the group, serving as a gentle foil to Hilary’s bluster. Janet’s portrayal was spot on, especially in the poignant moments where she convinced Hilary that finishing together as a team was far more important than breaking any records. Siobhan’s quiet strength and compassion resonated, creating a balance within the group dynamic that was both heartwarming and realistic.

Jess Gilbert brought some of the evening’s best laughs as Yvonne, the sharp-witted and often quick-to-judge member of the team. Her comedic timing was impeccable, particularly during her hilarious monologue about Andrew, where her frustrations with his presence were delivered with perfect comedic flair. Yvonne’s habit of jumping to the wrong conclusions made for some hilarious misunderstandings, and Jess handled these moments with brilliant energy.

Lindsay Tomkins delivered a touching performance as Maggie, the younger and less prepared member of the team, who constantly strove to keep up with her more experienced teammates. Lindsay beautifully captured Maggie’s insecurities and growth throughout the play, culminating in a moving final monologue that revealed Maggie’s personal reasons for completing the walk. This moment resonated with the audience, showcasing Lindsays’ ability to deliver both comedic and emotional beats with equal skill. It certainly brought a tear to the eye.

Amanda Vincent Perkins delivered a standout performance as Vicky, the flirtatious and man-hungry member of the team. Her portrayal was full of cheeky charm and playful mischief, particularly in her comedic interactions with Andrew, played by Joe Rolt. Amanda skilfully blended humour with emotional depth, revealing Vicky’s vulnerabilities and making her both entertaining and endearing.

Joe Rolt delivered an excellent performance as Andrew, the unexpected addition to the all-female group. His character initially came across as a playboy only there for his attraction to Vicky, but Joe’s portrayal gradually revealed Andrew’s deeper motivations. When Andrew’s reason for walking—to honour his late wife—was revealed, Joe gave a sincere and heartfelt performance that added an emotional layer to the story.

Supporting cameos were also memorable and filled the show with vibrant energy. Ben Davies brought some of the night’s biggest laughs as the Aerobics Instructor with his high-energy routine, getting the audience up and out of their seats to participate in the warmup at the start of Act II. His exaggerated physicality and enthusiastic encouragement this section of the show into a lively and engaging experience, further enhancing the overall atmosphere of the piece.

Andrew Cooper as the Handsome Drunk also stole the spotlight with his rendition of “On the Street Where You Live.” Despite the character's drunken state, Cooper’s performance was impressively vocal, blending humour with genuine talent and adding a memorable highlight to the scene. Janet Hugman and Margaret Taylor delivered entertaining performances as the dynamic duo Madge and Ethel, the cockney marshals. Their characters, with traits reminiscent of Barbara Windsor and Janet Street-Porter, added a delightful touch of classic British humour to the show.

Peter Goodson delivered a strong cameo as the friendly Brummie Marshal, bringing grounded humour to his interactions with the walkers. He was well-supported by Bernard Fullerton and Caroline Thomas, who each added their own distinctive flair as fellow marshals. Bob Dallow also showcased his versatility, seamlessly playing multiple essential roles as the Policeman, Station Announcer, and Walk Starter—tying together the various stages of the play.

The set design was minimalist but effective, with a white canvas backdrop accented by vibrant pink details symbolising the colour of the breast cancer charities/ribbon. The inclusion of a well-executed London skyline, complete with a lit-up London Eye, transported the audience to the heart of the London Moonwalk. One of the most striking visual elements was the giant red bra affixed to the proscenium arch, a bold and humorous tribute to the Moonwalk event. Created by Alison Stevenson, this piece was not only a standout in the set design but also a powerful symbol of the cause.

The wardrobe department excelled with their design, especially in creating the iconic Cheshire Cats costumes. The group was impeccably coordinated in black tops and bottoms paired with bright pink bras adorned with sewn-on cat eyes, along with pink tutus, ears, and tails. This cohesive and playful ensemble perfectly captured the event's spirit, while Andrew’s blonde wig added an additional layer of comedy as he tried to blend in with the group.

At the heart of this production was Karen Lloyd’s sensitive and thoughtful direction. Affectionately known as “Kaz” to the cast, she expertly balanced the comedic elements with the script’s serious undertones, ensuring that the play was both entertaining and respectful of its underlying message. Her direction emphasised the humour while maintaining focus on the play’s core purpose: raising awareness about breast cancer.

Although there were some truly brilliant performances throughout, the star of the show, was the message itself. Cheshire Cats brought to light the difficult conversations many sufferers struggle to have, highlighting the often-unsaid words between friends and loved ones. With breast cancer affecting around 55,000 women and 400 men in the UK each year, the production served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mutual support and the necessity of regular breast checks.

In conclusion, Conquest Theatre’s Cheshire Cats offered a remarkable mix of humour, emotion, and profound reflection. Featuring strong performances, imaginative design, and a compelling message, the production left the audience both entertained and moved, with a deepened connection to the cause it passionately represented. A sincere thank you to Conquest Theatre for addressing such a sensitive topic that resonates with many people’s real-life experiences.

 

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