At Louche Theatre |
| Louche Theatre- Lilies on the Land , Y Morlan , Aberystwyth , April 21, 2013 |
‘Lilies on the Land’ is a beautifully crafted play which not only covers the War years of 1939 to 1945, but also follows the farming year from Autumn to Summer. Devised and written by the Lion’s part, it is based on the reminiscences of ex-Land Girls, and much of the dialogue in it is undoubtedly their words.Their truthful, happy and sad memories make this a very special piece of theatre, such as with threshing time, humorously portrayed by the four principles, and how they handled the unwelcome sexual advances of farm workers and POW’s, one of the most moving scenes in this very accomplished production . Director, Harry Durnall gave us a show that was accurate in all details. From the wonderful vista of ploughed fields, through the tatty farm yard to the elegant 1940’s singers placed behind an original microphone and 40’s radio. And they had great voices too! Caroline Clark’s costumes, the lighting designed by Stephen Griffiths, the sound effects which included original speeches, all transported us back to those distant times. Durnall is known for his exciting, detailed and understanding direction and this was no exception. He had his four principals telling the Land Girl’s stories whilst portraying those stories in the most physical way. They were never still. But this detailed action told so much in itself, beautifully done by Emma Sims as Margie, Sian Taylor as Vera, Tiffany Evans as Peggy and Denise Williams as Poppy. Four actors who inhabited their characters to perfection. A study in perfect performance and a delight to watch. Unlike the original production where all the supporting roles and singers were played by just the four principles, Durnall had seven actors sitting in the farmyard and playing around three roles each, plus the three singers. This worked extremely well, and helped show the isolation the Land Girls must have felt. Again all their performances were detailed and enjoyable to watch. I particularly liked Ann Penny as she rushed forward to proclaim “ he could stick his potatoes up his Khyber Pass, her was going back to Wales!”. Emma Sims singing of the Easter hymn, Sian Taylor's reading of the letter telling her Annie had been killed, both were so beautifully performed it brought a tear to many audiences eyes. The full house at Morlan on Friday obviously enjoyed every moment. Their laughter and some tears showed their total involvement in a night of memorable theatre. The show transfers to the Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth next Saturday the 27th and then the Dragon Theatre, Barmouth on the 4th May. Try to catch it, you won’t regret it. |
Reviewed by: Martin Williams |
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