Reviewed by Ksenya Gray
16th May 2017
Reviewer Rating: ★★★★★
Crude, ambitious and exactly what the West End needs right now.
After a sell-out run at the National Theatre, this Olivier award-winning production of ‘Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour’ has finally transferred to the heart of the West End and resides in the Duke of York Theatre.
Our six heroines of the tale are Catholic schoolgirls on their way to a choir competition in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Ahead of the competition, they go out on an all-night bender through which we learn about each of their backgrounds and plans for the future. Pop songs, choral pieces, and playground humour is the vehicle for their storytelling.
Although the set is minimal, Vicky Featherstone has created an immersive and impactful production, simply allowing the stories of these six women to be told without being overshadowed by too many props or moving pieces. Quite a few audience members got to a part of the action with seats available right on the stage, which most of the play is various clubs throughout the evening.
The cast – many who originated the roles in the National Theatre production – are a powerhouse ensemble. Even through the extreme profanity, the heart of Lee Hall’s piece is never lost. There are particular standouts from the six ladies, including Dawm Sievewright as Fionnula and Isis Hainsworth as Orla.
You can book tickets to the show here: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/our-ladies-perpetual-succour-west-end
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