AFTER the success of ‘Ladies Day’ last year, it was great to see the fish-filleting foursome back in ‘Ladies Day Down Under’.
Like pulling on those comfy clothes as the weather turns colder, those playing Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda settled back into their roles, taking their characters on another adventure.
After the malaise of airport waiting times, the flight scene set the tone for what we were all about to see – some comedic and feelgood theatre.
But among the laughs (and there were many), there was also plenty of thought-provoking and poignant moments.
This could be described as a ‘play of two halves’ – in the first act we had the excitement and anticipation of the trip and the reminder of what the characters were like.
In the second, they went on their individual journeys, out of their comfort zones and ‘finding themselves’.
Every one of the nine-strong cast played their part.
Charlie Hopkins as surf dude Shane provided some fun.
Likewise, David Mann and James Ralley showed their versatility – as cabin crew, drag queens and, in David’s case, a classic 1960s hippy. They jointly share the award for the most laugh out loud moments in the show.
Set against this backdrop of light-hearted merriment, was the holiday-makers from Hull’s ‘Australian experience’.
It is impossible to single out any of the four main characters – Pearl (Joy Williamson), Jan (Suzanne Lane), Shelley (Kelly Wade) and Linda (Holly Copp). Individually they put in wonderful to watch performances, together they were formidable, bouncing off each other as all friends or work colleagues should. Each one started out as one person and by the end they were someone else following a moment of realisation – and these four portrayed this perfectly.
Dan Blizzard, reprising his character as Joe, was solid – ever dependable and Alan Groucott made the role of the archetypal Aussie Danny his own. His accent was spot on and the philosophical side of his character was brought to the forefront by a memorable performance.
As well as the action, the journeys and the effective set, the use of classic Aussie pop songs during the set changes provided some bonza titillation while everyone got to where they were supposed to be.
If you saw Ladies Day last year, you need to see this sequel. If you didn’t, go and watch this anyway – it’s a great story.
All and Sundry has members from across Bromsgrove, Redditch, Rubery and Droitwich.
Performances of Ladies Day Down Under’ take place at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12.
Tickets are just £12 each. Visit norburytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01905 770154.
Alternatively, visit allandsundry.uk/index for more.
