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Fabulous Show Returns!
Our
Ladies of Perpetual Succour
Newcastle
Theatre Royal
Until
Saturday
16th July 2016
Our Ladies was the must-see show at Newcastle’s Live Theatre
in 2015. (NETG Review)
The question is “How well does it transfer to the bigger stage?” The good news
is that it is still an amazing show.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
Based
upon Alan
Warner’s best selling book The Sopranos,
six sixth form girls from Oban have had a life changing trip to Edinburgh in
order to attend a singing competition on behalf of their school. In Lee Hall’s
adaptation they decide to perform a play to describe their experiences in the
local nightclub.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
The girls are part of a larger
choir but, as the elders of the group, they will get the back seat of the
coach. They also set the tone for the
trip. They are, after all, keen to get back home as rumours abound that a large
group of sailors have just landed and they will be at the nightclub later in
the evening. On that basis they are keen to return as soon as possible – even
if that means ensuring that they fail to progress in the competition.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
So the girls from Our Ladies of
Perpetual Succour School board the bus armed with pop bottles filled with
alcohol. Each student has their own backstory, their own issues and their own
future to consider. Fionnular (Dawn Sievewright) lives in a council house
bought with Granda’s money. Manda (Kirsty MacLaren) lives with her Da after
their Mam left them. Chell (Caroline Dayga) has had a lot of tragedy in her
family. Orla (Melissa Allan/Joanne McGuiness) has had a run in with cancer but
got the all clear after a trip to Lourdes. Kylah (Frances Mayli McCann) sings in a band
whilst Kay (Karen Fishwick) has professional parents whoexpect her to go off to
university to read Law.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
Since the show’s appearance last
year, the production has had many fabulous reviews and won awards. What makes
this show one that was discussed in revered tones long after it left town? It
is original. It is fresh and has a vitality, an intensity which leaves an
impression upon you. It is unlike any show out there. Running at 1 hour 50
minutes without an interval, it leaps off the stage like a juggernaut.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
Yet it is also subtle. The
second viewing revealed touching moments that were missed first time around.
The singing is perfect: from the opening Lift
Thin Eyes, by Mendelssohn, to thepulsating ELO hits like Mr Blue Sky. This show has no megamix at
the end, rather it finishes with a stunning rendition of No Woman, No Cry.
 |
| Photo: Manuel Harlan |
The six actresses, from time to
time, play various other characters too and there is clarity in the movement between
these characters. The many funny situations give plenty of chances for the
audience to laugh.
 |
Photo: Chris Auld
|
Before you rush out and buy a
ticket, there is a caveat: the show is filled will regular swearing and
descriptions of a sexual nature. This may not be every Theatre Royal regular’s
cup of tea due to the frequent profanity.
The play has a real energy,
helped by the very talented band, also onstage. Vicky Featherstone’s direction
allows for a change of pace and emotion from time to time. The show never
drags.
 |
Photo: Peter Dibdin
|
Tonight’s performance had an
unfortunate break in the proceedings as Melissa Allan was taken ill. Understudy
Joanne McGuinness slotted in very well and cast did a brilliant job to pick it
up where it left off and keep the action going.
If you haven’t seen it – go and
see it. If you have seen it – go again and take a friend. This show could very
well be the best show we see this year and pick up the Best Show gong for 2
years running.
 |
Photo: Peter Dibdin
|
Adapted by Lee Hall from The Sopranos by Alan Warner
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Music Supervisor Martin Lowe
Designed by Chloe Lamford
Lighting Design by Lizzie Powell
Choreography by Imogen Knight
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Music Supervisor Martin Lowe
Designed by Chloe Lamford
Lighting Design by Lizzie Powell
Choreography by Imogen Knight
This review was written by Stephen
Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide from
Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Read
the North East Theatre Guide preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/preview-our-ladies-of-perpetual-succour.html
Tickets:
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour is at
Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday
16th July 2016, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thu 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from
£14.50.
Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on
08448 11 21 21 Calls cost 7ppm plus
your phone company’s access charge or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Recommended 16+, contains strong
language and explicit adult content of a sexual nature which some may find
offensive.
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