Ladies Day

It was fitting that within International Women’s Day this play was performed and was a great success.

Written by Amanda Whittington who has been very successful with notable plays since her first in 1998 this was one which ladies especially could identify with.

The play revolves around four ladies all working in a fish packing factory in Hull, and then moves on to a York racecourse.

All four ladies were so well cast and made their individula characters come alive.

Newcomer Kat Wilson in her debut with Sudbury Dramatic Society playing Shelley was amazing,her timing,stage presence and total confidence in this quirky character was superb. I hope we see Kat in many more productions at the Quay Theatre.

Lucy Foster playing Pearl also gave us a really believable lady with so much support for her friends albeit with a directness which was just right for this role.We did also see a more vulnerable Pearl later on when revelations were exposed re her”affair” which was unknown by her friends.

Helen Arbon as Jan the straight talking,no nonsense  with real standars in life was great. Again another side to Jan when she becamre rather inebriated at the races.

Lastly Linda played so well by Sarah Byham.A delightful natural performer in this sweet lady who was a “giver” in life towards eveyone.

A lovely scene with Nick Elliott as Patrick with the timing so good, and we saw Linda blossom just by having someone showing kindness and thoughtfulness towards her.

 This was definitely all about the ladies with support from three gentlemen.

Richard Fawcett as Kevin/Joe the shop steward at the fish factory.Joseph James as Barry/Jim the announcer at the racecourse and Nick Elliott as Fred/Patrick a jockey with only one great win in his career.

All three guys added so much to ther performance in many ways.Again another poignant scene from Joseph as Barry with Lucy as Pearl which came towards the end of the show and was very moving.

The whole production culminated back in the fish factory after an exciting day at the races.

The costumes were good and with good lighting it made up for a very basic set.I did feel the set might have been enhanced by a few more props and furnishings, especially in the racecourse scenes which were very minimal.

All credit however to Mark and the team involved in a splendid evening’s entertainment.

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