Ladies Day

Amanda Whittington’s Ladies Day is a warm-hearted comedy that follows four fish factory workers from Hull, Pearl, Jan, Shelley, and Linda, as they swap their hairnets for hats and head to Royal Ascot for a day of glamour, excitement, and unexpected revelations. Beneath the humour and sparkle, the play explores themes of friendship, aspiration, and the quiet resilience of working-class women.

As we took our seats, the pre-set stage immediately established the tone and setting. A table placed centre stage, surrounded by props replicating fish and boxes, effectively evoked the factory environment. Though the auditorium was small, it felt compact and inviting, creating an intimate atmosphere that suited the play’s character-driven narrative.

From the outset, the chemistry between the four female leads was evident. Their interactions were natural and engaging, with well-timed dialogue and clear projection that helped the audience quickly grasp the context of their lives and relationships. The opening scene introduced us to their world with humour and authenticity, setting the stage for the journey ahead.

Andrew Dutton, who multi-role as Joe and Jim, gave a standout performance. His diction was crisp, and his delivery showed a strong grasp of characterisation. He demonstrated an excellent understanding of pacing, knowing exactly where to place pauses for dramatic or comedic effect. His ability to switch between roles with clarity and nuance added depth to the production.

Set changes, while occasionally lengthy, were handled with care. It’s important to remember that this is a small society, and the cast and crew manage all aspects of the production themselves. The simplicity of the lighting, essentially switching lights on and off, was not a drawback. In fact, it was used effectively to ensure all characters were well lit throughout, maintaining focus and clarity in each scene.

Fern Crump, who played Pearl, brought a quiet strength to the role. Her portrayal was grounded and sincere, capturing Pearl’s sense of nostalgia and inner conflict with subtlety. Evelina Davies as Jan gave a heartfelt performance, balancing humour with vulnerability as she navigated her character’s personal challenges. Harry Chambers played the ever-charming Barry with ease. His charisma and relaxed stage presence made him instantly likeable, and his scenes added a touch of warmth and levity. Charlie Towers, as Shelley, was a joy to watch. Her comedic timing was spot-on, and her interactions with the other characters were lively and believable. She maintained consistency throughout, giving Shelley a strong and memorable voice. Ceri-Ann Corcoran played Linda with warmth and sincerity, bringing a gentle vulnerability to the role that made her character instantly relatable. Her portrayal captured Linda’s quiet optimism and emotional depth, especially in moments where the character’s insecurities surfaced beneath the humour. Ceri-Ann’s timing in both comedic and more reflective scenes was well-judged, and she maintained a consistent energy throughout the performance. Her interactions with the other women felt natural and grounded, contributing to the strong ensemble dynamic that anchored the production. Robert Lambert, who played Patrick, showed great commitment to his role. Though visibly nervous at times, he persevered and delivered some genuinely strong moments, particularly with the character’s accent and emotional beats. His performance was a testament to the supportive environment fostered by the group.

One area for improvement would be script familiarity. Toward the latter part of the play, there was a noticeable increase in prompting, which occasionally disrupted the flow. 

A special mention must go to the director, Martine Bell. Her compassion, enthusiasm, and energy were clearly reflected in the cast’s performances. She has cultivated a space where performers feel supported and empowered, and her direction brought cohesion and heart to the production.

What truly sets this society apart is its ethos of inclusivity. Founded with the intention of making the arts accessible to those with disabilities and neurodivergence, their vision is both inspiring and necessary. It’s evident that this commitment runs through every aspect of their work, from casting to rehearsal processes and it creates a space where everyone is valued and given the opportunity to shine. I have complete admiration for this approach, and it’s heartening to see such a strong example of community-driven theatre.

In summary, Ladies Day was a heartfelt and enjoyable production that showcased the talents of a passionate and inclusive group. While there were some technical and pacing challenges, the warmth, humour, and dedication of the cast and crew made for a memorable evening. This society is clearly growing in confidence and capability, I wish you all the success with your future productions.

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