Our Spring/Summer programme of events is now in full swing and we have already been to see two great productions. 

As mentioned in our previous article, the first was to see Handbagged at The Studio Theatre, Curve on 29 March.  It had received rave reviews for its London run and the production at Curve did not disappoint.  We expected a two-hander play about politics but we had two Maggie Thatchers and two Queen Elizabeths on stage at all times, with both the young and old versions commenting on the actions of their younger/older selves which really added to the fun. 

The play imagined the conversations between the two strong women during their weekly meetings at Buckingham Palace – let’s be honest they are reputed to have had a difficult relationship.  For the older members of the audience, it was a reminder of all the events we lived through during the ‘80s: miners’ strike, three-day week, power cuts etc and for the younger members it was a history lesson.  Two male actors took on various roles including the politicians Willie Whitelaw and Michael Heseltine and, of course, Dennis Thatcher and Prince Philip (the latter’s one-liner received a round of applause!).  This was a really entertaining and enjoyable performance and we thoroughly recommend it if you get the opportunity during its tour.

Our second outing from the current programme was to Spitfire Girls at Derby Theatre on 9 April.  What a way to learn about women’s role in the war.  This was the story of two sisters who lived under their father’s thumb until they decided they wanted to help the war effort.  They did this by joining the Air Transport Auxiliary, established to transport planes from various bases, and many of these pilots were women.  The play focuses on the development of their relationship and the way the war changed their lives.  Our members agreed that this was a brilliant production with a superb cast.

We have some great events coming up including Dad’s Army Radio Show at Warwick Arts Centre on 11 May; Marriage Material on 25 June at Birmingham Rep, our annual visit to Kilworth Open Air Theatre on 7 September for the last night of Grease, and Measure for Measure on 27 September at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford. We hope that our next article will report on how much we enjoyed them!

If you are considering joining us you are welcome to contact our Membership Secretary: Alison Polydor at alison.polydor@gmail.com who will be happy to provide more details.  New Members are always welcome.