The Lady in the Van

To see the stage version of this true story puts another aspect on the theme running through the story of the constant linking between Alan Bennett and Miss Shepherd in so many forms.

The relationship moves between trying to help this elderly lady without wanting to be classed as her carer, but at the same time getting infuriated at the disregard she has for his property and the area around on which the “Van “ stands.

Sometimes Alan had to undertake most unpleasant tasks to remove unspeakable objects which Miss S left around which did not seem to concern her at all.

A tour de force from Helen Bridge as Miss Shepherd. Totally convincing in all her dialogue and beautifully played with all the various people who she came in contact with from a Social Worker, a rather dubious figure from her past and so the people came and went and generally were cleverly sorted so she got what she wanted, which was to remain in the van on Alan’s driveway.

It was such a pleasure to watch Helen in this terrific character who by the end of the show felt like a person we might have known well!

So important to get this character just right,and Helen did just that.

Alan Bennett played by Paul Reed was the constant in Miss Shepherd’s life, and excellent in his interpretation of Alan Bennett. I am sure a lot of thought had been given to this part by Paul and Kerry, and I felt it was Alan Bennett up on the stage so good was the style and presentation of his character.

Alan Bennett (2) played by another Paul-Paul George was the thoughtful Alan,observing it all and trying to get the balance of all that Alan (1) understood by his constant writing, as if writing a story-which of course it really was.Another well observed character and both Alan’s worked so well together.

 Mam (Alan’s Mother) played by Gina MacMillan could not quite understand her son’s involvement in the scenario’s with Miss S and rather resented his attachment to her.I thought Gina played this role very well.

Rufus and Pauline immediate neighbours of Alan were played by Mike Brown and Annie Simcox.Obviously not so tolerant with the presence of Miss S but sort of coped with it.

Annie made Pauline a rather haughty lady,putting down Alan’s writings and informing him of reviews which were not especially kind in a rather naïve way which Alan did not seem to be too bothered about.

Ros Pettett as the Social worker did very well.Very persistent in her dealings with Miss S turning up every so often to check the health and well being of her client but not getting very far with changing anything until Miss S became very ill when she was persuaded to have a spell in a day centre.

Other characters the Doctor,Workmen,Gardener and so on were all involved in so many ways and added a great deal to the whole production.

A great set,lighting and sound as always excellent and an audience who were attentive from start to finish of the production.

I loved  this production and would recommend it highly for other drama groups to perform.

Thank you for a most enjoyable evening, and Congratulations to the cast led by the very talented Kerry King as Director on a first class production.An evening to remember.

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