The Revlon Girl

It was a pleasure to return to The Hoghton Players for their production of ‘The Revlon Girl,’ This dramatic play written by Neil Anthony Docking, based on real events, was poignant and heart-wrenching. On October 21st, 1966, at 9.15am, tragedy struck the Welsh mining village of Aberfan, when mine number 7 collapsed, and slurry buried the local school and surrounding buildings killing a total of 116 children and 28 adults. This play was a work of dramatic fiction, based eight months after the disaster, and centred on four grieving mothers, who, after neglecting themselves, come together in secret for a makeup demonstration.

Director, Millie Santus, created an emotive, touching production that had many audience members reaching for their tissues throughout. It was raw, it was honest, it was tragic, but it also had tender moments and a dash of self-deprecating humour. With a cast of five actors, playing in the round, it felt intimate, the audience sharing in the grief as it happened in front of them. The show opened with the stirring harmonies of the Welsh Male Voice Choir before sound effects took over and the lights began to dim. Children playing school yard, thunder roared as the school bell rang announcing the start of class. The rain fell heavily, the sound of the colliery collapsing growing louder as it began to slide, crashing into buildings, rubble falling, hair raising in intensity. Then silence. The sound of rain falling heavily, eerily calm. Kudos to Andrew Freeman and Steven Boult for sound, lighting, and technical elements, the opening few moments gave me goosebumps it was that intense. The rain continued to fall throughout the production, a bucket set to catches the drops that leaked through the ceiling, provided a constant sound effect, just audible under the dialogue. It worked exceptionally well. The set built by Paul Santus, was simple but effective. A rundown upstairs function room above the Aberfan Hotel with chairs for the actors, set to the four ‘corners’ of the round, placed at differing angles, allowing the audience to see facial expressions clearly. The cast moved naturally around the set, sitting in alternate seats to change the audience perspective. A tall rectangular table with high stool were set for the use of makeup demonstration, whilst a smaller round table provided an area for the actors use as they swapped places. Stage Manager Rana Shihadah ensured all props were available and all departments met their cues.

For me, the most striking aspect of this play was the passion of all the actors involved. They were delivering deeply moving lines, with grace and emotion, welsh accents remained strong throughout. Playing the role of Sian was Jackie Green. Jackie gave a heartbreaking performance as she spoke about her martial problems since the tragedy. Having previously been the more affable of the group, it was devastating to see her so vulnerable. An intense performance from Jackie.

Aneta Paruk looked glamorous as Revlon in the signature red and black outfit, with coiffed hair and perfect makeup. The object of Rona’s scorn, Revlon did not retaliate, instead she told her own tale of loss and pain. Explaining why she chose to help women feel good, helping them find themselves even in their darkest hours. Aneta displayed many emotions throughout the show, her dialogue was strong, her character refined. The emotion on her face as she struggled to remain calm under a barrage of abuse was impressive. Aneta was fabulous in this role.

Aimee Gallagher performed as Rona. Angry, looking for someone to take the blame, Rona was passionate to the point of boiling over. She could not fathom the injustice of events and was defensive and sarcastic. Aimee had an impressive Welsh accent that did not falter during her outbursts. A wonderful characterisation laced with funny moments, complete with a wry sense of humour and well-timed wit. When she appeared with an orange face due to a fake tan faux pas, the audience laughed aloud. An emotional performance with some jolly funny moments.

Jean, played by Sam Lockhart was married to the local vicar and eight months pregnant. She refused to talk about her pregnancy, fearing that people would think she was replacing her lost son. Deeply spiritual, she believed God wanted her son as part of his plan, and she would see him again in heaven. Sam was excellent in this role, composed and organised. Her performance as she began to explain her loss, exposed her vulnerability, well played.

Ellie Smith was fantastic as Marilyn. Unable to accept her loss, she often had frantic outbursts. Confused and bereft, suddenly crying out that her kids were still alive. She had left them on the corner of the street whilst nipping into the local shop when the tragedy struck. Often looking scared and on the verge of tears Ellie gave an emotionally charged performance from the outset. A great character performance from Ellie.

This was a wonderful play, sad and touching, with tiny moments of self-deprecating levity running throughout. The cast and crew took a sensitive subject and created a deeply emotional show that resonated with many of the audience members. It was a genuinely great production from start to finish, produced with integrity by all involved. I would like to thank The Hoghton Players for their kind hospitality towards myself and my plus one and look forward to their next production.

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