The Thursday Night Ladies Club

THE THURSDAY NIGHT LADIES CLUB written by John Ford, who also directs, tells the story of a group of friends who meet on the third Thursday of the month. It’s a familiar scenario, full of sharp observations giving a man’s interpretation of how women spend an evening.  Its well researched and a great combination of  humour and pathos. There is no ‘lead’ as such and therefore the cast are an ensemble. The women in the audience will identify with at least one, if not more, of the characters on the stage. 

The set was excellent and in the form of a local pub. It has an extensively stocked bar with optics, two exits, a Staff Only archway and separate door going off stage as well as a mini stage for the various specialist nights such as the quiz and music evening, complete with glitter curtain. The wall lights were gorgeous and the set changes included a Christmas evening, with tree and decorations. The props were amazing and numerous ranging from the pub sign ‘Dog and Duck’, dartboard and darts, to personal props such as Amanda’s eco water bottle, Christmas gifts, party hats, plates and mobile phones.

The costumes were of the highest quality and each character’s outfit suited their personality: Sophie’s immaculate power suits (until her redundancy when she changed to a sweat suit), Amanda’s boho look, well kept and colour-co-ordinated Sarah and Anne. Smart and purposeful for Helen and Rachel. All were kept busy changing for each of the four acts and the men too were suitably garbed for their roles. Attention was paid to hair and make up with Sophie’s transformation the most noticeable, going from high-powered businesswoman to unemployed person with bed hair and minimumal make up. 

This was a very well written play with rounded characters that focussed on the sisterhood between the six (and occasionally) seven women who meet at the pub. It was full of realistic conversation that included political rants, affectionate stories and some laugh out loud moments. There were also sombre moments when deep concern was expressed at serious problems.  All these emotions were tackled with aplomb by the talented cast.   The action kept moving on as problems arose and were solved.

Directed by the playwright, John Ford, the ladies – of the title – were ably supported by two men, Shaun Bates and Jason Kewley as Stuart and Dave.  There was great attention to detail and many humorous moments such as the fight for pens on Quiz Night! This was a very polished production on all levels from the immaculate set, the high quality acting and first class direction that provided a great evening’s entertainment.

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