Sitting Pretty

~~“Sitting Pretty” is play which I hadn’t heard of so was intrigued to find out what it was all about.  The director’s programme notes described it as a bitter-sweet play in which the variety of characters all have issued to address.  It proved to be a very satisfying theatrical experience.
The nucleus of the story revolves around two sisters Nina and Nancy.  At the outset Nia is gainfully employed at the National Gallery while Nancy has been made redundant and has become frumpy and depressed.  Her life changes, however, when she volunteers to be a model in a life class without understanding what that implies.  It proves to be a turning point as the broken reed blossoms as her newly found confidence grows, while Nina finds it difficult to accept the situation her confidence seem to wane.
Each character, on stage, seemed to be well-defined and presented.  Nancy (Linda Lilley) and Nia (Cathy Briscoe) were nicely contrasted and by the end of the performance the change in their personalities was almost tangible.  Tim Underwood (Max) gave a steady performance as the ever present family friend.  Each member of the life class gave good support and I’d like to congratulate Paul Jacobs on his carefully observed characterisation of the autistic Luka.  Finally Paul Phillips, as the philandering teacher, Philip and Eve Woodridge as his Muse Zelda made their failing relationship believable for the audience.
Although there was a serious side to this piece there were also some light hearted moments which elicited chuckles from those present and by the end of the performance it seemed that at least some of the personae had reached a renaissance in their lives.
As always Roger Brandon-Jones had designed and built a set which was an asset to the production, care taken over details is always worthwhile and I found the set, lighting, incidental music and the projected glimpses of masterpieces I the National Gallery all gave an extra dimension to the performance.  Scenes were changed seamlessly by the efficient stage crew.  Well done all!
 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.