LADIES DAY

So good to see Breakaway back on stage, in this perceptive play, which was a tribute to the original Director Jill Hardman, who unfortunately passed away before she could experience the completion of the project.  Jo Baker and Lesley Cowland took over the direction, and the cast went all out to make this a memorable production.

Because of the type of performance space at the Maltings, the set was minimal, but fulfilled all the necessary criteria, and enabled the cast to make the most effective use of the stage.

Lighting enhanced the general feel of the piece, and in the main I liked the costuming, the only costume I wasn’t completely onboard with was the racing commentator Jim – I can appreciate that he may have had some fairly quick changes, but felt he needed something a little more formal, as mostly they would wear at least a suit, at best top hat and tails!!!  But that was a minor point in an otherwise appropriately costumed cast.  The ladies looked suitably attired, in keeping with their personas.

I liked the relationship between the four friends, it was very real, and it was good to see their interaction with each other, and disbelief at some of the revelations.  The play is very well written to explore the relationships between work colleagues.

Pearl (Margie Skinner), just about to ‘retire’, and as a celebration used the opportunity to get her friends to go to Ladies Day at Ascot, where she was hoping to find her gentleman friend of many years standing, only to find that he had passed on – some poignant but nicely acted moments.

Jan (Kathryn Hearn) played a stereotypical housewife, working to ensure her daughter had the best in life, but dreading her leaving home.  Kathryn also created some laugh out loud moments, particularly her hysterical laughter and kicking her legs to show her underwear, very good breadth to her portrayal.

Shelley (Sam Newgrosh) was the younger go getter lady, determined to make the most of every opportunity, loud and proud, very upbeat, and good foil to the other ladies.  I could sense the slightly unsure underside of her character, very often such ebullience is a cover for shyness and insecurity, well done.

Linda (Shelley Healy) played the introverted lady to perfection, unsure of her way in life, but finding a real understanding with Patrick the jockey, who she found by mistake, and gave us the hope that she’d find a good time with him.

The six men’s parts were covered by Graeme Shaw, Malcolm Coakley and David Martin, who all created good characters and supported the strong female cast well.

I really enjoyed this production, and we were made to feel so welcome, everyone’s enthusiasm for being back on stage almost tangible.  I was delighted to meet the Co-Directors and Abigail Giles (Stage Manager), I am sure Jill would have been delighted with the end product.  Thank you all for your hospitality it was much appreciated

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