Cheshire Cats

This was a totally new play and playwright to me and it was the first full length piece which Under the Tower Drama has presented for some time. It is billed as a comedy but has definite undertones of sadness.

A group of women who give themselves the team name of Cheshire Cats has agreed to take part in the London Moonwalk with varying degrees of commitment and fitness. Sheperded by their self-appointed leader, Hilary, who is determined complete the course in record time come what may, the team undertake rigorous training and then journey to the capital. The audience follows them on their way learning much about the different characters, their personal qualities and reasons for undertaking the venture. And a late replacement turns out to be not what most of the ladies expect.

All the players were able to give of their best to their given roles which were nicely differentiated.  Terri Barnes as Hilary made a strong , driven, self-appointed leader who eventually mellowed. The rest of the group were Vicki Roberts as Vicky, Emma Dawson as Maggie, Di Wyman as Siobhan and Penny Prince as Yvonne. The final member of the team, playing his role with enthusiasm and aplomb was Shaun McMahon as Andrew. The rest of the cast filled in all the other necessary extra roles. The simple set was sufficient for purpose and there was obviously an effective team backstage.

Cheshire Cats is an interesting play with an unexpected twist at the end. I think it will resonate with the evergrowing number of people who generously give of their time to raise funds for good causes.

Well done on your efforts, I’m sure that, like me, your audience spent an entertaining evening. Thank you for inviting me to what was an interesting evening.  

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