Ladies' Day

This was my first visit to The Too Friendly Theatre Company and what a great evening it turned out to be. The venue had been set out to create a very relaxed, club- like atmosphere and it was a pleasant change from the normal theatre seating. As the play opened with an open playing area with no set and minimal props I wondered if this was going to affect my enjoyment. I need not have worried. Many companies I visit make their sets over elaborate to the detriment of their production.

Ladies’ Day is written by Amanda Whittington who I know has a great reputation and this particular piece is very special. All the characters are carefully delineated and the author is lucky to have such consummate actors to bring her work to life. Each member of the cast, playing such diverse characters, had the audience with them from the opening scene. The four female actors were a perfect foil for each other and it was a delight to see the different characters develop as the night progressed, only occasionally was the dialogue a little indistinct.The two male characters were integral to the plot and were essential to the success of the evening. Director Cliff Gillies has succeeded, with some  clever use of lighting, sound and costumes to give us a night to remember.Some lovely moments of comedy and pathos leading to the final denoument had the audience gripped and their applause at the end of the evening was a fitting tribute to both the excellent Cast, Director and Author.

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