January 2002 - Region 10 - Peter Hendren
LADIES OF SPIRIT
Whitehaven Theatre Group
This was an interesting new comedy play set in a girls school, in the teachers common room. This society's acting strength is particularly strong with some excellent ladies, and in this work, the entire cast is female. Thus the comedy lines and timing were good overall. One or two were a little stilted early on, but once the "experienced ladies" came on, speech became quicker and more natural. A single set meant harder work to establish the plot, but the ladies soon managed this.
As returning ghosts, the two Misses Pye, in the shape of Judith Henderson and Yvonne Chapman, made a good pair. Especially strong was Judith's diction and also of Yvonne's expressions. Newcomers Rebecca McDowell and Helen Graham made promising debuts for the society. A very pleasant 'chuckle' evening.