Ladies' Day

This was a sparkling and energetic production with a small cast of just five actors. This popular comedy tells the story of four lady fish packers from Hull who decide to enjoy an outing to Ladies Day at York Racecourse to mark the ‘retirement’ of Pearl, one of the group.

The action of the play took place in both the fish packing factory and at York Racecourse. The set was minimal but very effective and easy to change. It consisted of ‘turnaround’ flats, polystyrene boxes and props with the erection of the entrance to the racecourse being particularly interesting. Many congratulations to Alison Baker for imaginative set design, to the construction crew for creating the set and to June Wheeler and Amanda Baker for props. June was also the Stage Manager, ensuring that the set changes took place seamlessly.

The four fish girls were so well cast and kept their accent going throughout. Inevitably, as a result of indulging in copious amounts of champagne, each revealed secrets and inner thoughts from their private lives which changed their outlook and how others viewed them.

Jo Simons, as Pearl ,seemed somewhat superior to the other girls, both in manner and dress. It was her idea to visit the races to mark her leaving the factory but she gradually revealed details of her illicit love affair and her hope to see her ex lover at the races. Jo played this role very well and I think gained the sympathy of the audience. Shelley, played by Lea Friend, was rather ‘tarty’, glamorous and out for a good time. She was a very strong character throughout and actively encouraged the other girls. Alison Baker, playing Jan, played an excellent role as a rather down trodden single mother, totally focused on her clever daughter, to the detriment of her own life. Finally, Angie Smith, as Linda, grew the character from a rather timid girl, overshadowed by a domineering mother, to a more extrovert person, excited at meeting a boyfriend along the way. All these actors played their roles very well indeed and there was great rapport between them all.

The only male actor was Rob Sadler, playing all six male parts, ie factory supervisor, ticket tout, TV pundit, jockey, gambler and bookie with some rather hasty costume changes. Rob switched characters very deftly and did well in these somewhat different roles although I felt that he could have displayed a little more arrogance and assertiveness as the TV pundit.

Alison Baker directed the production, in addition to playing Jan and I congratulate her on the high standard achieved. Aided by good costumes, sourced by the Wardrobe Managers, very appropriate lighting (Bruce Emery) and sound (Andy Terry) this play was very well received by an appreciative audience.

Well done to everyone involved. I enjoyed the evening immensely.

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