Theatre / Review
Review: Girl(ing), Wardrobe Theatre
Girl(ing), by young south-west company Run Like Stags, describes itself as a rebellious semi-musical exploring a forgotten piece of feminist history. The story of booze-hocking, hat-making sinner Mary-Ann Girling has been plucked from Victorian England and fused with the brash and confrontational styling of the punk era.
Charlotte Boyle, Mai-Lin Hagiwara and Samantha Lund share the role of Mary-Ann, who is visited by a dishevelled ‘GOD’ played by Florian Saturley. Wielding drumsticks and looking like a member of Bros after a tough night out, GOD proclaims Mary-Ann as ‘the chosen one’. Thus begins her pilgrimage preaching his word via a series of in-your-face punk gigs.
There have obviously been many hands on deck to craft this production. The intimate scenes are balanced with songs, interactions with the audience and excellent choreography of space. All help to drive the story forward and allow for well-placed jokes and slick costume suggestions.
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At times, though, it felt a little too over-written. The need to tell the story in its entirety, and to ensure that each performer got a fair crack of the whip, meant that the production charged ahead irrespective of our investment in our heroine.
The performers did well to keep the energy up, although they seemed to lacked the volatile uncertainty that is the spirit of punk. Lydia Breckon’s musical direction and intricate harmonies were delivered with precision and illuminated the strength of the ensemble’s singing voices. This was on point with the religious tone, and especially effective as a beautiful chorus rang out with only the drums as accompaniment.
The young company have struck upon a genuinely interesting story of a woman with an extraordinary life. Mary-Ann was an anomaly of her day, a strong voice with a message up against the system. That is, already, quite punk: but by modernising the context and striving to make it so niche, Run Like Stags rob Mary-Ann of her gravitas.
Overall, though, a fast and energetic piece, crafted with some delightful detail.
Girl(ing) was performed at the Wardrobe Theatre from March 5-6. For more on Run Like Stags, visit www.facebook.com/runlikestags
Read more: Preview: Womans (like Romans but with a ‘W’), Wardrobe Theatre, March 13-15
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