Elspeth

Performing at the Jonesway Theatre, a short walk from the major FringeWorld hubs, Much Productions' Elspeth is a touching play about a mature actress, as she rejects upon her life.

Standing at the end of a pond, contemplating the fact that as she can not swim, walking in with bricks in her pocket, will allow her to end her life, Elspeth looks back at her life, in what might be described as a bitter-sweet, interrupted monologue.

The title character is played with strength and open-ness in an excellent performance by Jane Sherwood. As she recalls events from her life, key characters come to life, all played with skill by Rachael M. These include Elspeth’s overbearing stage mother, a childhood companion, her greedy landlady and perverted abuser Uncle Harry.

A compelling story, the two women are very engaging, and the forty-minute show passes quickly, with Jane, especially, creating a tangible relationship with the audience through her direct, breaking the fourth wall, address.

I would love to see this show have further life and would advise any community theatres short of a one act play to see if this one is available, as it would round out an evening of short plays beautifully. A strong little show.

Kimberley Shaw

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