Richmond Theatre – until 30 March
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Emma Rice’s brilliantly bawdy adaptation of Angela Carter’s last novel is one of those shows that just makes you glad to be alive.
It’s 1989, and twins Dora and Nora Chance live in Brixton, in the house in which they were born. On their 75th birthday (a date they share with Shakespeare) they receive an invitation to their natural father’s 100th birthday party. Never acknowledged by Melchior Hazard as his daughters, the pair tell their life stories, beginning with the theatrical legacy of their grandparents. Taken in by Grandma Chance, and visited and showered with gifts by their Uncle Peregrine, the girls grow up to become The Lucky Chances – dancing showgirls living life to the full.
Surrounded by an ensemble that slip in and out of different characters, Nora and Dora watch gleefully as their life unfolds for the audience. The set is deliciously and deceptively ramshackle, with actors dressing stations and “stage hands” sweeping the floor or self-consciously providing props. The gloriously retro caravan that serves as an interior for various scenes is a work of art, and when it is used as a screen to project the twins’ journey North of the river, it is a truly beautiful image.
This love letter to the theatre, both the glamour and the seediness, is as theatrical as you can get. Shakespeare looms large, and there is a lot of fun to be had from lampooning the snobbery and pretentiousness of the old breed of actor/directors. Using the ensemble as different characters and presenting each with a not-so-subtle “ta-da” means that sex (LOTS of sex), murder, suicide, physical and sexual abuse all become pantomime, and this reminds us that we are watching Dora’s memories – this is how she copes with such terrible events, with a song, a dance and a laugh.
As the characters age, different actors take on the roles, regardless of gender and race. Gareth Snook is magnificent as Dora, funny, warm and full of cheeky innuendo, but heart-breaking when wandering down memory lane opens old wounds. Emma Rice takes over as Nora for the rest of the tour, and is a fine energetic foil for Snook. Omari Douglas is mesmerising as Showgirl Nora and Katy Owen is a lot of fun as foul-mouthed Grandma Chance.
Accompanied by the onstage musicians, the music is haunting and joyous in turn, and when the twins go shopping in Brixton to the beat of Electric Avenue, it takes a lot of will power not to jump up and dance. This is joyous and celebratory theatre at its best.