Miranda

With a reasonable house for a matinee,  the lights dimmed, and we were gently transported back to the late 1940’s with rippling show music reminiscent of waves on a seashore.

The curtains opened to a stunning set, receiving a well-deserved round of applause, representing the siting-room, overlooking the River Thames, of physician  Paul Marten and his wife Clare.

The story unfolded quickly,  and the characters were introduced. It transpired that Paul was  returning from a fishing trip to Cornwall  and had perhaps landed a bigger fish than everyone had bargained for!

Accompanying him was a “patient”, Miranda Trewella, who was to stay for three weeks under observation, according to Clare’s description  “some old dear who can’t walk”. 

“Red herrings” abounded from the start. Housekeeper Betty took a call about 1,000 Halibut tablets, and lots of other fishy items seemed to have been ordered for Miranda!

Newly engaged couple, Isobel and Nigel arrived from Paris, and Chauffeur Charles and Nurse Cary, engaged by Paul to look after the patient, made up the cast.

Miranda was definitely not  what they were expecting! Lively and glamorous, with  flowing blond locks she was determined to make the most of everything London had to offer.

Captivating all the men from the outset, she caused mayhem, with each believing that they were “the one”. 

 Miranda, the cunningly disguised Mermaid, was fabulous. Fluttering her eyelashes frantically at Nigel, she beguiled him from their first encounter and was utterly delighted to find he was a “Pisces”. 

Soon the entire household was centred around her, and her energy was boundless, even the taciturn Charles was happy to drive her here there and everywhere, and Paul was on duty nearly every night taking her to the opera.

The three gentlemen were convincing in their roles, all falling completely under Miranda’s spell. 

Ex-boxer Charles and artist Nigel rolling over like puppy dogs and catering to her every whim.

The duplicitous and dapper Paul was perfectly portrayed, with great expressions and mannerisms he skilfully countered Clare’s concerns at every turn.

The three ladies all played their parts credibly and were clearly not quite so enthralled as they began to share their suspicions.

Betty gave a very natural interpretation and  was quite distraught at having her relationship with Charles thrown asunder, sharing her disquiet with Clare. 

“There’s something fishy about Miss Trewella, she always takes cold baths, and never wears no knickers!”

Isobel was suitably clipped and efficient, and initially thought Nigel quite sweet but  was so incensed when she found he had been painting Miranda on the quiet she marched to his studio and defaced the portrait.

A lovely performance came from Nurse Cary, who of course had to be let in on the secret, her reactions were spot on, and she swigged down the glass of brandy like a real trouper!

 Clare was played with a light and airy touch, but she was determined to get to the bottom of things as her suspicions began to build.  Having learned that Miranda had devoured 3 pints of cockles in 3 minutes, added to the fact that no-one had ever seen her legs, and all the goldfish had disappeared she  finally “hooked out” the truth with the help of a crossword clue “Sea cow”.

Caught out completely and her real identity exposed Miranda quietly slipped away into the river at the end, but was she by chance harbouring a small secret of her own?

The costumes were striking,  just right for the characters, the evening clothes particularly elegant and Miranda’s tail when revealed was excellent.

The set was well dressed and designed with space for the wheelchair to manoeuvre – a clever touch. The props were just right for the period and the “nibbles” were impressive.

Lighting and Sound were well executed, although on occasion the music probably could have run just a tad longer, the balcony scene was particularly effective.

This was relatively an old play, those of the older generation may remember the 1948 film with Glynnis Johns, but it didn’t seem at all dated, had great charm and was the perfect vehicle for the slightly more mature members of the society.

Well directed under an expert eye all made for a lovely and entertaining afternoon with a great company feel.

 

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