Eleemosynary

Well, for once in my reviewing life I am flumoxed. That is F L U M O X E D. The reason? I came to this play completely blind to content, author, cast or subject matter and I am so glad I did. So, I am a little loathed to destroy that for any other attendees. I will quote from the programme and you may then understand my dilemma.

The play functions as a direct need to be in control of a play’s meaning. By refusing to give us a hint about what to expect, this play is asserting itself from the start. “Don’t think you know what I am about” the title seems to say. “I will tell you in my own good time.” And it so packs a punch in all aspects of performance. A grandmother, daughter and granddaughter’s relationships are tested and explored in this lively written piece, first presented in 1985. Not that is dated in any way, as the relationship conflicts are universal and unrestrictive to era.

Directed, I would almost say choreographed, to perfection by Abi Linnartz, places our ladies in a book strewn labyrinth of gauze triangle tents. Our ladies emerge and hide within them allowing for (the usual) high standard of lighting and sound Maskers produce to come to the fore.

The acting by all three performers was off the scale. Almost underplayed, the relationships are so intimate in touch, humour and final denouement. Dawn Gatrell, Kate Grund-Garcia and Harley Harding are so emersed in their characters it is pure joy to watch. You really feel what they are portraying, be it cookie, bohemian, confusion, fear and loss. And the humorous one-liners are so well placed alongside the pathos of longing to be loved. They work so well together. How they learnt all those lines is amazing in itself.

The team have excelled themselves in this production. If you have a ticket, you are in for a treat. If not, there are a few seats left I am told but I suspect word of mouth will sell those quickly. Highly recommended. Impressive: that is I M P R E S S I V E.