Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour - Duke of York’s Theatre (Review)
Review by Shanna Schreuder
THE multi-award winning Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour arrives in the West End to show us in its charming, funny and naughty way what it’s like to be a girl on the cusp of adulthood.
Adapted from Alan Warner’s novel The Sopranos by Lee Hall, creator of Billy Elliot, and directed by Vicky Featherstone, the play follows six Catholic schoolgirls from Oban who travelled down to Edinburgh to take part in a choir competition.
Before the evening’s performance the girls – Caroline Deyga (Chell), Karen Fishwick (Kay), Kirsty MacLaren (Manda), Frances Mayli McCann (Kylah), Dawn Sievewright (Fionnula) and Isis Hainsworth (Orla) – are given free reign by the nuns to explore the capital.
Drugs, sex and rock ‘n’ roll are just the beginning of what these cheeky scamps get up to, but as with everything in life it’s the journey and not the destination that truly matters.
Accompanied by an all-female band the troupe of ladies belt out classics by ELO to enrich their amusing personal tales, and now and again add a few choral numbers for good measure. There’s an enticing chemistry between the cast, which fills you with warmth for each and every one of them.
All of them not only have superb comedy timing and singing chops to match, but also the ability to break your heart – what a talented bunch they are. It would be a sin to miss this cracker of a show.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour
Duke of York’s Theatre
St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2B 4BG
May 9 – September 2, 2017