THEATRE

Ladies in Black

The Sumner, Southbank Theatre

Review by Maria Dunne

Ladies in Black, directed by Simon Phillips, has spunk, vibrancy and girl power that make the audience feel completely drawn into protagonist Lisa’s new life of glamour and opportunity.

The plot follows Lisa (Sarah Morrison), a high school leaver trying to discover her identity while working in an elite department store, Goodes. There she befriends women like the Hungarian revolutionary Magda who encourages her to explore her love of literature and her newfound independence.

Although at times the plot seems a bit cheesy and clichéd, it quickly picks up with elements of quick wit and quirky Australian humour that made the play flow beautifully. Actors like Kathryn McIntyre (Myra/Dawn) and Kate Cole (Miss Cartwright/Joy) have beautiful comic timing, making the audience erupt in enormous applause and laughter throughout the play.

The score from composer Tim Finn uses slow blues as well as fast paced jazz. A favourite song of the audience is entitled ‘He’s a Bastard’, which involves making fun of Patty’s husband Frank (Andrew Broadbent) for his shortcomings.

The side stories of love-struck Fay (Naomi Price), who as a 29 year old is stuck like an old spinster at home without a man; Patty (Lucy Maunder), who feels trapped with her emotionally distant husband Frank; and old Miss Jacobs (Deidre Rubinstein) who can’t seem to come to terms with her fiancé’s death are all heartfelt and humorous. They give us a nice look into the real issues that women had to face in a world still dominated by men. Fay’s newfound obsession with Anna Karenina made the opening of the second act sensational as she imagined the “Crazy Continental” Rudy (Bobby Fox) as the charming Count Vronsky. It was a delightful surprise that was done perfectly. It was, however, slightly disappointing; the deus ex machina ending to Patty’s story seemed unrealistic, and although Frank is still considered foolish at the end of the play his role as patriarch of the house is renewed.

The transitions between scenes are sharp and make for easy set changes by using revolving floors. It is obvious that set and costume designer Gabriela Tylesova had fun with this play as all of her clothes and set pieces used bright and bubbly colours and luxurious satins and cotton. There were over 30 custom-designed dresses and suits in this play, all handcrafted by Tylesova, and more than 60 costume changes occurred throughout the play.

All elements of the play are quintessential; the lighting, sets, acting and costumes. Everything is precise and engaging. Recommended for any fans of 50s fashion and Australian wit.