Ladies in Retirement

LADIES IN RETIREMENT by Edward Percy and Reginald Denham is a gothic thriller that throws the spotlight on the plight of spinsters faced with destituion and what desperate measures are taken to keep them from penury.    Ellen, is a friend and companian, of the rich, slightly eccentric former actress/musical hall star, Leonora in a remote mansion in the Thames Estuary near Gravesend.    Their friendship reaches breaking point when Ellen’s sisters, Louise and Emily are forced to move in with them.  Leonora believes, initially, that this is a holiday.  But Ellen has other plans and sinister actions follow. 

The set was absolutely brilliant and – as far as I could see – historically accurate with brickwork, beams, wooden doors, large fireplace and bake oven (central to the plot).   It was well laid out and made maximum use of the small stage.    The props were well sourced and used and included telescope, oil lamps, firewood, grandfather clock and copper pan. 

The costumes were excellent and in keeping with the period.  Ellen in plain black Victorian dress, Lucy’s maid’s outfit (with white apron and mop cap) went well with her flowery dress. Leonora’s artistic temperment was emphasised with her flamboyant outfits with their frills, lace and bright oriental style dressing gown.    The sisters had more basic dresses and bonnets.   Albert, the only male in the cast, had a smart suit. 

 The sound was very good with effects such as the storm (dipping and raising when the door was opened and closed), carriages and piano all done effectively.  The lighting too was well orgnaised with there being lights at the apprpriate times when doors were opened/closed and to indicate the passage of time.

This was an absorbing play from start to finish.   It had an intricate plot and while it was serious in undertone, it was occasionally humorous.    Tension was created when Ellen asks Leonora if her sisters can make their homes with them.    An argument ensures and this was magnificently played out by Liz Saxton and Ann Griffiths as Leonora.   There were terrific performances from all: Jasmine Mullany and Lynne Buckland were delightlfully batty as the naïve sisters and Pete Watt was roguishly charming as the crooked nephew who wormed his way into the home. Helen Saxton had great energy as Lucy, the innocent maid who allows herself to be seduced by Albert. Christina Moore did an excellent job (taking over the role at short notice) as Sister Teresa – the link between the isolated sisters and the outside world.    Under the skilfull and experienced direction of Eric Saxton, this was an excellent production in celebration of Eric’s 60 year anniversary with the Compton Players.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.