The Lady in the Van

This play is the basically true story of Alan Bennett’s strained relationship and friendship with a Miss Mary Shepherd, a grubby, eccentric woman whom he allowed to park her van in the driveway for three months but who stayed for fifteen years. We, as he does, learn so much about this unusual, very different woman and the effect she has on Bennett. Much of the dialogue is between two versions of Bennett – his “real” self and his “writer” self. Firstly seen as a play in 1999 and then finally as a film, The Lady in the Van still keeps the audience enthralled fully for the duration.

The success of the play depends on the casting of the three most critical roles of Miss Sheppard and the two Bennetts, and director Graeme Roberts has chosen very well. His interpretation of the play was very good overall except for some minor static moments, perhaps caused by the limited stage space – the van did take up space. Sharon Dunne was a very impressive Miss Shepherd, the centre of our attention for the duration of the play. A nervous start led to a very good performance. The Bennett living through the experience was acted by Toby Chittenden while John Sayles was the writer. They interacted excellently to drive this production to a high standard. The cast was strong but a little more oomph on occasion would have helped.

Mousetrap Theatre is to be congratulated on achieving this high standard under the conditions of the theatre world at present. If possible, see this production and be enthralled as much as the audience on opening night. Very well done.

William Davies