As part of a West Somerset tour, Jen Warwick (former Wootton Courtenay stalwart), Rachel Rose and Ruth Gasperini are to bring their latest production to Wootton Courtenay Village Hall on Saturday 21st October – this Saturday! After the much acclaimed and darkly powerful Agnes of God in March, Jen’s latest, ever-professional direction is a lighter play by David Hare: the slightly oddly entitled Breath of Life (a quote from a thoughtful line in the play). Hilary and I were privileged to see a private preview of this two-hander, plus Ruth’s beautiful incidental music, and found it funny, bitchy, distinctly entertaining, and very worthwhile. We shall go again.
No spoilers allowed, but two different women who have, or have had, an uncommon man in common, meet – warily at first but increasingly incautiously, and then revealingly, surprisingly and richly amusingly – in a scruffy flat on the Isle of Wight (that’s a bit of a spoiler, sorry!). David Hare’s observation of the two women is shrewd. Jen and Rachel play them with deep understanding and relish. There are moments of surprise, of woe, of something approaching joy. And there is much human understanding in David Hare’s work, and in Jen’s and Rachel’s interpretation and interplay. Jen initially assumes dominance, Rachel almost the opposite, but both characters increasingly reveal depths and complexes in a play that moves along quickly and actively to an almost, and certainly a poignant reconciliation. (That’s not quite a spoiler!)
Altogether an admirable direction of a clever and amusing play, presented by Take 3 Girls to their characteristically very high standard. Highly recommended.
Tickets via Jen Warwick (07964 555124) or the Take 3 Girls website: Take 3 Girls
Roger Carrick
Wootton Courtenay 