The Revlon Girl

Eight months after the 1966 Aberfan disaster four bereaved mothers take their first tentative steps to moving on with their lives. They have arranged for a representative from Revlon to come and give them some beauty tips.  Afraid that some might think this frivolous and too soon after the event, the meeting is arranged in secret.

I was pleased to be able to speak with the Director prior to curtain up and to learn that members of the cast and crew had travelled to Aberfan during the rehearsal period. This must have proved invaluable in many respects, not least in getting to grips with the Welsh accent which the cast appeared to have mastered to great effect.

As the lights go down, Pathe Newsreel of the time helps to give those too young to remember, an understanding of what happened.  To others it’s a stark reminder of an event which shook the nation.

The standing set represented a room above a hotel.  It was well dressed, reflecting a hotel/pub meeting room of the period.  There was also a hole in the ceiling through which the rain was dripping.  All part of the reality of life and causing many a laugh.  At this point I should add that sound effects throughout were excellent.

The play had been well rehearsed, and it was obvious that all the cast had immersed themselves in their characters.

First, we are introduced to Sian, the strongest of the women, determined to get back to her old self despite having gone through the same loss as the others.  A superb performance by Jo Gladstone. 

There were also strong performances from Jenna Young as Marilyn, still allowing herself to be dragged down by the events of that day, Becky Vincent as Jean, the vicar’s wife being cruelly taunted for being eight months pregnant and Melanie Gunetilleke as foul mouthed Rona, using anger as her coping mechanism.

A lovely sensitive performance by Chrissie Waites as the Revlon girl.  Struggling to get the attention of the assembled women, all of whom assume she is doing OK with her fashionable clothes and a brand new car, until that is she decides to tell them her own story.

Eve-Marie Downey as Jackie is not seen but provides the voices off from the bar downstairs.

This is a play which offers hope in adversity laced with just the right amount of humour.  It was well directed with a suitably understated lighting plot and costumes of the era.

My congratulations to all involved in this excellent production.

Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality.

 

 

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