Di and Viv and Rose

Producing a rarely performed play such as this one is refreshing but it demands careful planning and creativity. From the start, Catherine Newsome's direction and vision sets a high standard for this production and her set design worked extremely well.

In a production spanning multiple decades, it's crucial that the music, scenes and lighting all help the audience to identify the era being portrayed, and this all came together flawlessly. The show featured music ranging from the 1980s to 2013, with set changes and costumes thoughtfully chosen to match each depicted decade and character. It all moved along smoothly, thanks to the efficient management of scenes and props. The performers' costumes were outstanding (I especially admired Viv’s 1940s style).

The storyline traces the lives of three girls: Di (studying sport), Viv (sociology) and Rose (art history). They meet up at university during the 1980’s and set up home together during their time there. Following their lively early days, balancing studies, parties, drinking, romances, ambitions and studying for their exams, they hope their degrees will set them up for the future. With hilarious scenes, both visual and vocal, they support each other while coping with adulthood, careers, relationships and life’s personal challenges. Their friendship continues for thirty years.

The three actors’ vivid and very skilfully portrayal of Di, Viv and Rose illustrate how female friendships can endure across decades, despite their differing ambitions and personalities. Their performances were perfect and very much brought out their individual personalities. The actors worked extremely well together and made these girls believable, showing varying emotions both physically and verbally. Abundant amounts of dialogue, intricate at times, complete with humour, empathy, understanding and argument were delivered smoothly and clearly and at an excellent pace.   

Di is an athletic girl who struggles with acceptance and her emotions due to her being a lesbian. Yet, her strength holds out and keeps the group together, even when she faces physical attack in her own bedroom. The audience observes her embracing life on her own terms, culminating in the final scene where she uses a mobility scooter following a significant surgical procedure. Liz Lynch-Smith delivered a compelling and powerful performance.

Viv focuses on her career and studies, rarely socializing or partying, and speaks her mind even if it offends others. However, we do see her occasionally letting her hair down and dancing the night away. Her vintage 1940s outfits attract jokes from her peers, but her dedication leads to a prestigious job offer in America. Alas, she never seems to find love. Kate Spivey was outstanding as Viv. 

Rose is a cheerful individual, always smiling and making witty comments, consistently contributing to household duties and supporting Di and Viv as they pursue their studies. She enjoys social activities and dancing and maintained several relationships during this period. Rose became pregnant but remained committed to her academic pursuits, later living contentedly with her twin children. Unfortunately, Rose's life is cut short by a road accident, bringing a significant change to the previous dynamic between the three women. Gemma Windle-Hurst was superb.

The acting skills from these three actors was very professional and it was clear that a lot of hard work and hours of rehearsals have gone into making this a first-class production. Congratulations to everyone involved: the directors, production and technical team, costume department and back-stage crew. The enthusiastic applause from the audience at the end of the performance said it all.

Thank you for the invitation and, as always, the very warm and welcoming hospitality from front-of-house staff that I always receive from Dylis Guite Players                                                                         

Sue Cox

NODA Drama Rep

N E Region 14

 

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