Driving Miss Daisy Review

The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 17th September 2022

Review by Win Armand Smith

5*****

Alex Tabrizi 

Susan Tracy as Miss Daisy, Mensah Bediako as Hoke Coleburn and John Sackville as Boolie
Werthan excel in this charming production of Driving Miss Daisy.

Originally written as a stage play by Alfred Uhry it has definitly stood the test of time. The story of the evolving relationship between Miss Daisy and her long term chauffeur is beautifully staged with the simple lighting effects by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner. We are transported through different venues with a projected symbol and changing colours on the simple backdrop and instantly you know where you are. Whether it was at the Piggly Wiggly Store, the Synagogue, or at Boolie’s home with Christmas decorations it was a highly effective and very simple staging.

The play takes place in Atlanta, Georgia over the period 1948 to 1973. The rapidly changing politics over this period are illustrated by radio news clips and music of the era. The sound designer was Harry Smith.

There is always a risk of an American accent not quite working but in this case the voice coaches Katherine Heath and Andrea Fudge had done a very successful and convincing job.

This is a very enjoyable and moving production and the standing ovation was well deserved by the whole production team.