Steaming

Nell Dunn’s award winning play is set in the Turkish Room of a run-down public baths. It’s 1979 and in London’s East End there are still homes without hot water and indoor bathing facilities. Public baths provide the opportunity to indulge in a hot bath or shower and, in the case of the five ladies here, to come together once a week to share their troubles and, for a short while, escape the realities of their lives.

The set, as is ways the case with this society, had been well thought out, maximizing every inch of the wide stage. Three couches, a shelving unit of towels, changing cubicles and “tiled” walls, really captured the essence of this rather jaded establishment. Congratulations to set designer Brett Stevens and his team.

Performances all round were excellent. Baths assistant Violet was well played by Sarah Randall and a lovely sensitive performance by Jane Miles as newly divorced Nancy, paying her first visit to the baths, and sitting nervously reading a book while waiting for her friend Jane to arrive.  Jane, nicely played by Lisa Demitri, has travelled extensively and is also a mature student. She and Nancy greet each other warmly having not met up for a while.

A great comedic portrayal by Helga Dove of Mrs Meadow, overprotective of her educationally challenged daughter Dawn. A terrific performance of this character by Katie Saunders who if her mother is to be believed needs protecting from herself. The use of the word sex is forbidden in their household and tales concerning a member of the local constabulary are quickly cut short by Mrs Meadow. These two characters had the makings of a comedy duo and Dawn’s awakening at the end is hilarious.

The stand out performance has to be that of Michelle Brisa-Jimenez as Josie. A very experienced actress she really lived the part of this foul mouthed, sex obsessed character.  Work shy and in an abusive relationship, she dreams of finding a man to care for her and more importantly to keep her. Of all the roles, this was the most dialogue heavy and Michelle’s delivery was faultless.  

The lone male in the cast is maintenance man Bill played by Michael Hughes. Heard but not seen until the very end.

The news that the council intends closing the baths to make way for a library, incenses everyone, not least Violet who stands to lose her job. Following a failed attempt by the friends to stop the closure, we leave this intrepid group as they build a barricade after agreeing to a lock-in as a last ditch attempt to save the baths.

Costumes appeared to be of the time and I admire the ladies for stripping down in the name of authenticity.

Congratulations to all involved in this well directed production and thank you for inviting me. 

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