Ladies Day

Ladies Day by Amanda Whittington is a comedy play with deep and emotional themes, which are brought out by the characters as the story develops. The main plot for the production revolves around four fish factory workers.  The four ladies are lucky enough to be given a day off by their supervisor to go to Royal Ascot, which had been moved to York for that year. The play goes from the factory to the races, showing the entire goings on during the day out, and then the day after the outing at factory again. As the day out goes on, it springs a few surprises on the colleagues. As although they work together every day of the week, they do not know each other as well as they thought. The play touches on many themes from family trouble, to money issues, love and affairs with all members of the main cast having some misfortune. This impromptu day out provides an unexpected spot of good luck for all the ladies.

The opening scene of the play was very well set and introduced us to the very different characters. The casting had been done effectively with each member of the cast playing a believable role. Their characterisations were fitting and maintained throughout. The time and effort put into the direction of this play could be seen throughout the performance, as lines were delivered slick and movement about the stage seemed easy.

The pace of the play was good throughout with sufficient time to appreciate the comedy. Sound and diction of the cast were also well maintained. There was a need for a dialogue prompt on the night we attended but this didn't detract from the overall professionalism of the play. Lighting was also used to good effect, enhancing the changes in mood. The set was well designed throughout and scene changes were done very swiftly and quietly by the stage crew.

A memorable moment of this production is the 'reveal'. This choreographed dance routine, when the ladies change from their factory whites to their elaborate ladies day outfits provided the whole audience with many giggles. The cast should be praised here for their unique bum wiggling and jiggling which brought a smile to the faces of the audience.

Overall the production provided a valued evening of entertainment.  It was evident the whole cast enjoyed being involved with this production and this was portrayed across to the audience which enhanced the performance. The society should be pleased with this production and being able to stage both musicals and plays with such differing genres is seldom seen, they should be proud of it's diversity and adaptability. We would like to thank Clitheroe Parish Church AODS for their hospitality and wish them all the best for their next production of ‘Oliver’ in 2015.

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