Peggy For You

Peggy For You, written by Alan Plater although fictional, was inspired by real events that took place over a twenty year period regarding the playwriters agent "Peggy" . The works of many of her clients have been performed by Chesil. It is a story of out with the old and in with the new.

As always with Chesil I know that I am going to see a polished and entertaining evening. This was no exception. Chesil is a very small theatre with an eighty seat capacity but the set designers, this time David James, always make full use of the limited space they have The set was divided into two halves with an imaginary door separating the Reception Area and Peggy's office. It allowed full flowing movement of the cast and the spaces were used brilliantly. The set was well lit and the liberal spacing of the props was uncluttered .

Peggy Ramsay, the main character played by Mary Mitchell was a no nonsense "English" stiff upper lip type who played the part so very well. If you closed your eyes her delivery would have you thinking that you were listening too Anne Widdicombe, and with her attitude! A very polished, and creditable performance. 

She was very ably supported by the rest of the cast; the naive Simon, excellently played by Tom Dangerfield along with the flamboyant "favourite" Philip, Tez Cook and the old belligerant curmudgeon Henry with real believability in his delivery. The cast was completed by Amelie the receptionist and door keeper who had to keep the clients sweet whilst under the berating of Peggy. Again a very solid and believable performance. The diction throughout was clear and understandable, you could follow the story well and missed nothing and given that this was opening night there were no signs of nerves or of lines dropped!

Overall this was a very good show, well directed (Lisbeth Rake), one that I enjoyed and another great evening had at this fabulous little theatre.

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