Ladies' Day

LADIES DAY by Amanda Whittington is funny, witty and thought provoking.   It’s four main characters are friends who all work on the processing line at a fish plant.  They decide to celebrate Pearl’s retirement with a day at the races when Ladies’ Day at Ascot has been relocated, for the year, in York.    As the play progressed we learnt of their hopes, their dreams and their secrets as their day at the races had an impact on all their lives.

The sets varied from the fish processing plant to the various areas of the races.   The processing plant was realistically recreated with white tiled walls and work station.  The cast handled the knives and preparation of the fish with confidence while keeping up the energy and action.    When the action moved to the race course, a slightly raised platform provided a viewing platform for the races.     There was a vast array of props ranging from the cool bag for Jan’s packed lunch, to champagne bottles, glasses and race paraphernalia.    The TV presenter’s microphone and camera man’s camera were very authentic looking and well sourced. 

The costumes were excellent ranging from the white coats, boots, hair nets and so on for the processing scene to the dresses and hats for Ladies Day.   The transition from the white coats to race day outfits was inspired with the ladies stripping of their white coats to reveal their dresses and helping one another changes from boots to shoes.   Accessories were kept on a wardrobe unit to the right of the stage.  All the characters had clothes that emphasised their personalities, sensible hat and shoes for Jan, sophisticated long coat for Pearl, long floaty dress and flat shoes for shy Linda and Shelly’s mini skirt, corset, tiny hat, and leopard print ensemble (including shoes) told us everything we needed to know about Shelly and her determination to become famous.   Racing silks for Patrick, smart casual clothes for Bill Hansell as Barry and his ensemble for Jim, were perfect.   Jim’s side burns completed his look and deserve a special mention!

The lighting was effective throughout and well controlled with changes reflecting the settings, bright for the processing plant, spot light for Patrick’s monologue and warmer for the touching scene between Barry and Pearl.

The sound was excellent with great use of background crowd scenes and racing commentary.   Voices were clear and easily heard. 

This was a very polished production with the entire cast fully engaged with the roles and their characters were fully formed.   Pearl’s secret was wistfully confessed to Jan while Jan was inebriated.   Helen Lewis as Jan gave us a masterclass in performing ‘drunk’ and was totally believable and involved in her role.   She was fully immersed in the character and we laughed with her as well as feeling sorry for her as the single mum facing loneliness as her daughter was about to fly the nest.     There was a very sweet scene between shy and sensitive Linda and Patrick, which led to a stunning monologue from Jamie Pouw as Patrick who delivered his speech with gusto and confidence and was rapturously received by the audience.   Helen Robson as shopaholic Shelley powered her way through her role and was dynamic and energetic, leaving very little to the imagination as she tried to launch her tv career so as to clear her debts.    Director, Jim Pibworth, is to be congratulated on this high -class production that followed seamlessly, entertained the audience and was a heartwarming tale of love, loss and friendship.    I saw the first night and there was a delicious supper (for those who wanted it) served in the interval. All in all, a perfect evening.

 

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