With a name as bonkers as its plot, 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche brings delicious comedy gold to Theatre@41 this week – and I guarantee you’ll leave demanding another slice.
The Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein is nearly as much of a mouthful as the aforementioned prize dish itself, being served at the annual 1956 quiche breakfast. But with sudden sirens and the threat of an imminent atomic attack, much to their closeted delight, these ‘widows’ are forced closer together than ever before.
5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche is at Theatre@41, Monkgate, from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 September.
This award-winning comedy written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood is perfectly delivered by the wonderful Penny Magpie Theatre Company, ensuring every audience member leaves more than satisfied by this tasty offering.
From the moment we entered the theatre, there was no escaping this chaotic cult – the carefully crafted name badges served us our new identities, and we were as much a part of the production as those onstage.
Audience participation can be hard to master, but this cast did so effortlessly; they had the audience in the palm of their hands from the moment the meeting first commenced to its dramatic climax. We cheered for and with our fellow widows and felt completely immersed in the spectacle of sisterhood. And no one was more immersed than our poor fellow audience member Marjorie, who found herself the recipient of the many quick quips.
So who were these inspirational leaders who gave ‘the future is female’ a whole new meaning? Sam Hindman not only shines onstage as our eccentric historian Dale, but also directed the production, with assistance from Alexander King, and what a marvellous job well done.
It is no easy task to provide well organised order within such disorder but they did so with ease, which allowed the chemistry between all the characters to flow effortlessly. Hindman’s second act monologue was heartfelt and dark, a change of gear from the otherwise sidesplitting script, but an opportunity to show the depth of talent she holds.
This production enables you to see YorkMix’s very own Laura Castle as you’ve never before – our sweet and innocent secretary Ginny, with facial expressions just as entertaining as the delivery of her hysterical one-liners. Hannah Rebecca Thornton, our chairwoman Wren, was a consistent delight, every mannerism and movement was executed to perfection.
Sonia Di Lorenzo was our autocratic President, you couldn’t help but fall in line with her powerful play, and Helen Lewis was our British expat Vern, with her demure dominance and playfulness.
With innuendos galore, this naughty narrative has something for everyone – whether you favour a cleverly crafted dialogue or comedic timing even the most top-notch comedians would envy.
This production will leave you with two things: a face hurting from smiling and the confession of lesbianism. If that doesn’t convince you to grab a ticket, I’m not sure what will!
The audience’s joy only matched the cast on stage – they infected the theatre with their boundless enthusiasm and it was a delight to witness.
Don’t miss out on this eggcellent play at Theatre@41 this week, playing until Saturday 21 September. Tickets start from £12. Don’t whisk it, grab your tickets here for a cracking time!