Tyldesley Little Theatre : Ladies’ Day
8:50am Saturday 30th January 2010 in Theatre
Tyldesley Little Theatre Ladies’ Day POSH frocks and fancy hats are the order of the day for Tyldesley Little Theatre’s latest production.
The story centres around four friends who work in a fish plant in Hull, who find tickets to Royal Ascot at York.
As the champagne flows and the horses keep winning, we start wondering how long their luck can hold out.
Karen Ward is a hoot as the crass, fame-obsessed Shelley, whose heart of gold and misplaced pride almost lead to her ruin. In contrast, Andrea Peters plays quiet, downtrodden Tony Christie-loving Linda. Her performance was touching in its simplicity.
Joan Rogers was marvellous as the older, wiser Pearl who is hiding a huge secret that inevitably spills out.
And mothers everywhere could sympathise with Louise Robinson’s portrayal of Jan, the single mum who had dedicated her life to her daughter, and was at a loss now university meant she had her life back.
Glenn Robinson sported an array of odd wigs and hats as Fred, the creepy racing commentator Jim and the mysterious Barry. As the villain of the piece, his portrayal of Jim turned the stomach a little bit — just as it should.
Bill Rogers also took on three roles — his Irish jockey Patrick was probably the most likeable, but it was definitely the drunkard Kevin, who had lost his money, his wife and his sense of personal hygiene, that got the biggest cheer.
Although parts of the plot might be somewhat predictable, you still can’t help being pulled along with the characters on their rollercoaster . . . and crossing your fingers for them on that last race.
Kat Dibbits l Tonight l Tickets: 01204 655619
