• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides

Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour at the Duke of York’s Theatre

May 18, 2017 by Alex Wood Leave a Comment

Review of: Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour at the Duke of York Theatre

Reviewed by: Alex Wood
Rating:
4
On May 18, 2017
Last modified:May 18, 2017

Summary:

Catch Our Ladies before the experience no longer offers itself.

More Details

And lo, the long adored and bombastic Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Lee Hall’s irreverent yet revered piece (based on 1998’s The Sopranos, by Alan Warner) about six schoolgirls who swear and drink their way across Scotland on a choir trip, reaches a form of apotheosis with a West End run at the Duke of York. It seems almost the perfect conclusion to a two year trip that started back at the Traverse Theatre during the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe, a trip that has included spells at the National, a Fringe First Award and, most recently, an Olivier.

The buzzing sense of energy that the show constructs is akin to a mild intoxication – catalysed by the invitation to have some audience members on the stage, surrounded by empty bottles of sugary drinks (invariably used as mixer for more spirited substances) or McDonald’s wrappers. Even before any performers emerge the excitement was palpable.

What ensued, therefore, over the hundred minute or so performance managed to deftly maintain this sense of energetic poise, while digging into heartfelt and earnest realism. We hear stories of unwanted pregnancy, unprotected sex, cancer diagnoses, and, beneath it all, an innate angst regarding the future. It’s a subtle, unresolved narrative thread that gives the show its freewheeling character, but Hall manages to keep the action ticking over with relative ease, particularly when interspersed with the variety of vocal interludes, especially the selection of ELO’s greatest hits.

This is not didactic theatre, it is obsessed with the experiential – the drugs, the fireworks, the alcohol. One monologue, regarding a sexual encounter in a cancer ward, stands out for its entirely unapologetic anecdotal form, drenched in so many elements that, in any other context it would affront modern sensibilities. Isis Hainsworth delivers it with ease. It’s to the credit of director Vicky Featherstone that she decides, with impunity, to block the monologue centre stage in something of a cavernous Duke of York, leaving the actor alone on the stage for the entire episode.

Featherstone in general grapples with the large venue easily, aided by designer Chloe Lamford’s decision to provide a lower rig and constrict the sides of the stage with audience members, fluidly demarcating a performance space of a suitable size.

Hall’s fault may be in length, his ebbs and flows create the illusion of a narrative conclusion before it comes, meaning some of the later passages of the play feel more like epilogues. Perhaps this is meant to be the case – there is no ending, or a satisfying result – only an inexorable passage of time, of events, experiences, each continuing on. Catch Our Ladies before the experience no longer offers itself.

Author: Alex WoodAlex is the former reviews editor at Theatre Bubble, but since changing position now contributes occasionally. He has been writing reviews for a number of years, as well as seeing his own shows performed. He has produced and marketed a number of performances at venues in London, Oxford, Edinburgh, including the world premiere of Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke.

Filed Under: Review

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Daniel Hoffmann-Gill on The Great Almighty Gill

We spoke to Daniel Hoffmann-Gill about his autobiographical performance of The Great Almighty Gill that’s heading to the Edinburgh Fringe [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Kati Raatikainen on Kvartetto

We spoke to choreographer Kati Raatikainen about her upcoming performance of Kvartetto at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of the [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Harry Butler on Changing the Sheets

We spoke to writer and performer Harry Butler about his upcoming performance of Changing the Sheets, presented by The Playground [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Jamaal Burkmar on DONUTS

We spoke to choreographer Jaamal Burkmar about Extended Play’s upcoming performance of DONUTS at the Edinburgh Fringe, presented by The [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Heather Milsted tells us about her show Period Dramas

We spoke to actor and writer Heather Milsted about her upcoming show, Period Dramas, that’s heading to the Edinburgh Fringe [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Katy Owen: LAMDA Audition (First Round)
  • The Threepenny Opera at the National Theatre
  • Joe Strickland on why they will be keeping things digital
  • A Streetcar Named Desire- A cry of pain- Young Vic
  • Does Small to Mid Scale Theatre Touring Actually Work?
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Sarah Bodalbhai on Escape from Planet Trash
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • Alex Wood
    Contributor

  • May 18th, 2017
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2022 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!