Three Tall Women

Three Tall Women is a well presented, well-acted interpretation of this interestingly constructed play by Edward Albee.

Director Siobhan Vincent and set and lighting designer Jake Newby nicely suggest the world of an elderly widow through a sumptuous bedroom set. In Act One we meet a commanding and demanding rich old lady, and learn about her world as she talks to her paid companion and young lawyer. In the second act, we see the same set as if from the other end of the room - and as the elderly lady lies unconscious in bed, we meet the same central character at three stages of her life. A show with a radical gear change, it is thoughtfully acted throughout.

Kerry Goode plays the 92 (or 93) year old central character, un-named as are all characters in this play. An intensely wordy role, and a very unlikeable character, Kerry’s performance still captures the audience’s affections, with a lovely depth and beautiful vulnerability and we find ourselves forgiving her wandering accent, as we watch her perform with power and finesse. Jenny Howard plays her 52-year-old personal assistant and companion in Act One, and our central character, also at 52, in the second act - a beautifully compelling performance, with wonderful subtlety and a joy to watch. The trio is completed by Victoria Abbot, initially playing a lawyer of 26 and later our catalyst character at the same age - another beautiful performance. Their teamwork is impeccable.

The women are supported by Kaillem Mollard in a wordless but well-acted appearance as our central character’s son.

Lovely attention to detail in this show, in set dressing, props (by Marion West) and in the thoughtful costuming by Kathryn Wackett that both links the characters and gives us insight into their worlds. 

A well-produced performance that will appeal to fans of Albee, lovers of strong drama and those who like something a little different.

Kimberley Shaw