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Actresses of a certain age often comment that there are never enough suitable theatre roles. So, poet/ playwright Liz Lochhead wrote the ideal character for her friend Siobhan Redmond - Barbs Marshall, 39 year old Glasgow hairdresser lead role in her romantic comedy Perfect Days. A resounding hit at the Traverse Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe, 1998, the play is now being revived by Practical Magic from Hamilton with a cast of actors ranging from professional to experienced amateurs. First night the house was full.
The vivacious redhead Marianne P Muir plays Barbs, successful businesswoman and media star but ten years on since separating from her husband now feels lonely and childless. "I will not pretend to be happy" she tells her mother, the kindly yet dominating Sadie superbly played by Catherine Steele who gives inappropriate birthday presents and advice. She confides in her best friend, Alice and gay colleague Brendan, the riotously camp, Graeme Kerr about her ingenious plans for motherhood. The storyline is brilliantly clever and complex, developing in pace from gentle sit-com to hiliarious Alan Ayckbourn-style farce, hidden lovers, underpants and all.
Lochhead`s intuitive ear, capturing realistic West Coast Scotland sparky, streetwise speech, mannerism and characterisation is quite brilliant - language is bold and bawdy, yet never offensive. Behind the humour there`s also an honest debate about mothers and daughters, sexuality and family relationships. Alan Bayley directs with meticulous detail assisted by minimalist set, fine music soundtrack and flawlessly cast ensemble. This is a perfect night out. PS. Warning - difficult sightlines and uncomfortable seating in hotel function suite - but that`s the Fringe.
©Vivien Devlin, 11 August 2003 - Published on www.EdinburghGuide.com
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