Lilies on the Land

Lilies on the Land is a revealing, funny and wonderfully moving portrait of four women who sign up to joining the Women’s Land Army during World War II. Based on one hundred and fifty letters and interviews with original Land Girls, Lilies on the Land charts the personal journeys of four women who join the Women’s Land Army – determined to work endless backbreaking hours on farms across the country in a bid to do their best for the “War Effort”

This was my first ever visit to The Playhouse, Northampton and I was welcomed with open arms. The theatre is very small, but perfectly set up and I can’t wait to visit again.

The play was divided into two acts – act one was set between 1939-1942 and act two 1942-1946. The entire piece was acted by four Land Girls and one actor playing all the “little bit parts”. I found the production to be entertaining, funny in places, thought provoking and emotional. It was a triumph.

Margie was played by Georgina Pearson, and I loved her character, she was bubbly and bouncy when needed, but sad and sorrowful at the right times. I found myself laughing and feeling sad with her. 

Gena McCrystal played Peggy. I loved her humour and on-stage energy. I could have watched her all night! I particularly liked her Northamptonshire Accent, me’duck.

A newcomer to the Playhouse was Emily Byrne as Poppy. What a terrific actor she is too. Every line was delivered flawlessly, and she was utterly believable. I was enthralled and I really hope to see her on stage again soon. 

Vera was played by Corinna Leeder, and I saw her as the “Mumsie” one of the group. Corinna had some long monologues that were delivered well with emotion and character.

Finally, Nicky Bunting played various characters including farmers, fathers, US Airmen, farmers wives…. There was really no end to her talent. I loved all her different styles and accents. She’d really thought hard about all the different characters.

The play was excellently directed by Ben Knight. I thought the staging was well thought about with no upstaging and everyone being in the right place at the right time. I loved the use of the boxes on stage to portray different scenery such as threshing machines, cars, walls, fences and even a lavatory. The set was basic, but effective and the lighting was just right.

 

The programme was well set out and I loved the artwork for the poster and the front of the programme. Each audience member receives a programme included in the ticket price with their seat number on the back. I really liked this idea. I can't include the programme in our competition, however, as the correct NODA wording is missing - See here for information about requirements:https://www.noda.org.uk/_assets/ckfinder_library/files/PosterComp/Programme%20and%20Poster%20Criteria%2022-24_30680.pdf

I had an excellent evening at The Playhouse and would like to thank them for their hospitality. I can’t wait to visit again.

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